The purpose of the proposed study is to assess the effectiveness of the addition of a single-session child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention module (Smart Parents - Safe and Healthy Kids) on improving parents' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding CSA prevention for parents already receiving parent-education services. The investigators hypothesize that parents who receive the parenting curriculum and the CSA prevention module will (a) demonstrate significant improvement in CSA-related awareness (i.e., knowledge, attitudes) and protective behaviors from pre-test to post-test, and (b) demonstrate higher scores on CSA-related awareness and protective behaviors as compared to parents who only receive the parenting curriculum.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
110
Smart Parents - Safe and Healthy Kids (SPHSK) is a module designed to be added to existing evidence-based parent education programs. Because the module builds off of the core parenting skills developed in existing parent education programs, the module can be delivered in one session. SPSHK is comprised of three key CSA-prevention components: healthy child sexual development, parent-child communication about sex and sexual behaviors, and CSA-specific safety strategies such as vetting a babysitter and monitoring one-on-one time with adults. Behaviorally based, the module presents developmentally comprehensive information to parents of children 0-13 and utilizes role-playing scenarios and activities to maximize parents' use of learned skills.
Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a parent-support program delivered to parents of children under five and focuses on improving parenting skills through parent-child interactions, development centered parenting, and general well-being. PAT has demonstrated positive effects on child and parent outcomes related to school readiness.
Guidance Resource Center Bradford
Bradford, Pennsylvania, United States
Guidance Resource Center DuBois
DuBois, Pennsylvania, United States
Wesley Family Services
Greensburg, Pennsylvania, United States
Greater Nanticoke Area Family Center
Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, United States
Youth Service Bureau
State College, Pennsylvania, United States
Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way
Sunbury, Pennsylvania, United States
Change in SmartParents' Knowledge (ASK): Awareness Factor
This factor measures change in parents' self-reported knowledge of CSA and positive attitudes toward CSA prevention, operationally defined henceforth as 'awareness'
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 14 weeks
Change in SmartParents' Knowledge (ASK): Protective Behaviors Factor
This factor measures change in parents' self-reported use of protective behaviors to limit risk for CSA.
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 14 weeks
Change in Alabama Parenting Questionnaire: Involvement
e.g., "You ask your child about his/her day in school"
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 14 weeks
Change in Alabama Parenting Questionnaire: Positive Parenting
e.g., "You hug or kiss your child when he/she does something well"
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 14 weeks
Change in Alabama Parenting Questionnaire: Inconsistent Discipline
e.g., "The punishment you give your child depends on your mood"
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 14 weeks
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