Poster #26

Assessing Knowledge of and Goals Regarding Sexual Violence Prevention among Children and Adolescents in Tennessee

By: Jessica Mandell, MS, PLMHP. Co-authored by Missy S. Beyer, M.A., Tracy N. Hipp, Ph.D., Sandy Bromley, J.D., Tiffany Williams, M.Ed., and Phillis Lewis, B.S.

Abstract:

Children and adolescents experience high rates of sexual violence (SV). Elevated SV rates have been reported in the U.S. MidSouth region across the lifespan, and youth in Tennessee age 14-17 experience higher rates of SV compared to other age groups. Though SV prevention and intervention programs exist, programming typically emphasizes knowledge attained without considering topics or skills most salient and urgently needed among youth. The current study aimed to explore youths’ current knowledge of and goals regarding SV prevention to inform intervention development. Youth (N = 724) completed surveys assessing knowledge of SV, healthy relationships, and consent. Youth also described what they would like to learn about SV prevention. Descriptive statistics were conducted to analyze quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used to explore themes in qualitative data. Over half (65.6%) of youth were able to correctly identify different forms of SV, and 89.0% were able to correctly recognize healthy relationship qualities. Most respondents reported feeling comfortable communicating about sexual boundaries (95.17%) and feeling able to change their minds about what they previously consented to do (96.93%). They also indicated numerous ways to prevent SV. The following themes emerged regarding children and adolescents’ goals for SV prevention: Helping the Community (Preventing SV, Intervening in SV), Empowering Myself, and Fostering Healthy Relationships. Overall, children and adolescents demonstrated general knowledge about a variety of SV topics. However, they reported a desire to learn more about their own roles in preventing SV and intervening when witnessing SV. Given that rates of SV remain high despite an increase in SV prevention programming, skills-based, rather than solely knowledge-based, SV programming that is responsive to the needs and interests of young people may be more effective in decreasing incidence of SV among this population. Future research examining the impact of tailored, evidence-based prevention programming is warranted.

Jessica Eden Mandell, MS, PLMHP

Jessica Eden Mandell, MS, PLMHP (she/her) is a 5th year PhD candidate in clinical psychology at the University of Memphis. Her research and clinical work focus on the intersection of mental, physical, and sexual health and wellbeing among and across children, adolescents, families, and communities. Over the past 7 years, she has coordinated multiple research studies examining the impact of violence and trauma using strengths-based approaches. She has published peer-reviewed articles and a book chapter about violence prevention and intervention topics.