HOW DOES RECEIVING INFORMATION ABOUT SEXUAL ABUSE INFLUENCE BOYS PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR RISK

This research tested the influence of two common sources of informatio n on boys' perceptions of their risk for sexual abuse. In this sample, exposure to prevention education programs was associated with a lower perceived likelihood of being sexually abused, and discussion of chil d sexual abuse with parents was associated with a higher perceived lik elihood. The authors suggest that the information provided in preventi on education programs emphasizes controllability of sexual abuse to a greater extent than do discussions with parents, so that boys exposed to these programs see their risk as reduced. The potential consequence s of these findings are discussed in relation to controversies surroun ding the teaching of information about sexual abuse to children.