Evaluation of a Preschool Antivictimization Prevention Program

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This article is an evaluation of an antivictimization program for preschoolers. Three published studies examining the effectiveness of sexual abuse prevention programs demonstrate equivocal results. The program evaluated in this study teaches abuse concepts including sexual, physical, and stranger abuse. Forty-six preschoolers of differing race, sex, and income level were subjects in a four-factor design assessing antivictimization knowledge. Follow-up testing was completed 6.5 weeks postpresentation. Results showed that preschoolers who received the program scored significantly higher at posttest than did no-program preschoolers. There were no significant main effects for race, sex, or income level, although trends indicated that low-income and male preschoolers learned more due to low prior knowledge when compared to middle-income or female students. Follow-up testing demonstrated retention of learned concepts. Discussion centers around methodological issues in studies of preschoolers and the learning of victimization as a developmental phenomenon.