EVALUATION OF A SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR FEMALE CHINESE ADOLESCENTS WITH MILD MENTAL-RETARDATION

The effectiveness of the Behavioral Skills Training program in the pri mary prevention of sexual abuse for 72 female Chinese adolescents with mild mental retardation was evaluated, Subjects were assigned to eith er the Behavior Skills Training program or an attention control progra m. The Behavioral Skills Training group demonstrated greater knowledge regarding sexual abuse and self-protection skills at posttest, which was maintained at 2-month follow-up, though the scores on the recognit ion of appropriate-touch requests showed a decreasing trend. They also exhibited less fear of objects, people, and situations after the prev ention program. Booster sessions and a longer program duration should result in better retention. Results suggest that a modified Behavior S kill Training program can be effective with Chinese adolescents with m ental retardation.