An evaluation of a preschool curriculum to educate children in the prevention of sexual abuse

Results indicated that children in the experimental group, when compared to the control group, were able to learn the sexual abuse prevention concepts measured by the PSQ and retain this knowledge at follow-up.

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a sexual abuse education program for preschool-aged children attending three day care centers. Participants were 39 children between the ages of 37 and 62 months; 44% were girls and 56% were boys. Children were randomly assigned to three conditions: a group in which children received the program and their parents were encouraged to participate (n = 10), a group in which children received the program but their parents were not encouraged to participate (n = 9), and a delayed treatment control group (n = 20). All children were administered two knowledge scales (the Personal Safety Questionnaire, PSQ, and the "What If" Situation Test, WIST) and a fear scale prior to and directly after the curriculum was taught, as well as 3 months later. Because the parent participation component could not be selectively withheld in one preschool, the two experimental groups were combined for purposes of statistical analyses. Results indicated that children in the experimental group, when compared to the control group, were able to learn the sexual abuse prevention concepts measured by the PSQ and retain this knowledge at follow-up. Participation in the program did not affect children's scores on the WIST, a more behavioral measure of knowledge. No significant increase in fear was noted in the children participating in the program. Limitations of the present research design and suggestions for improving the curriculum are noted.