| The effectiveness of teaching preschool children sexual abuse prevention concepts is unknown. In this study, 39 children (3-5 years old) from three day care centers were randomly placed in either a delayed treatment control, a no parent involvement, or a parent involvement condition. Children in the experimental conditions received the 5-day Grossmont Sexual Abuse Prevention Curriculum. All children were tested on two knowledge scales and a fear scale before the curriculum, directly after, and three months later. Results indicated that, when compared to the control group, children exposed to the curriculum were able to learn the sexual abuse prevention concepts and retain the knowledge for at least a three month period regardless of parent involvement. No significant increase in fear was noted in the children participating in the program. Consequently, the Grossmont curriculum appears successful at teaching preschool children sexual abuse prevention topics in a non-threatening manner. |
