School-based child sexual abuse prevention programs: moving toward resiliency-informed evaluation

Ian G. Barron (Lead / Corresponding author), David J. Miller, Timothy B. Kelly

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    13 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Although recent years have seen an increase in the range of child sexual abuse prevention programs delivered in schools, there have been relatively few efficacy studies. Those conducted have focused primarily on intrinsic child factors and have often lacked an explicit theoretical framework. We offer resiliency theory as a useful and apposite theoretical framework for program evaluation. Resiliency theory suggests that a wider range of factors should be considered, including intrinsic (personal characteristics) and extrinsic (environmental) factors. Such factors may increase risk or, alternatively, protect children from the negative effects of adversity. We argue that a resiliency perspective to efficacy studies should recognize a long-term view on children's capacity to cope and can employ both standardized and contextual resiliency-informed measures.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)77-96
    Number of pages20
    JournalJournal of Child Sexual Abuse
    Volume24
    Issue number1
    Early online date30 Jan 2015
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jan 2015

    Keywords

    • maltreatment, resilience, abuse, program efficacy

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