Adult Education in Human Sexuality and Cases of Child Sexual Abuse.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of an educational component in human sexuality in cases of alleged child sexual abuse. The subjects were former clients of a sexual abuse program offered by a private child welfare agency. The aim was to explore broadly the subjects' education in human sexuality, and to identify adult education implications in the prevention of child sexual abuse. The anticipated outcome was to develop concepts for further investigation, formulate testable hypotheses for future research, and to suggest an intervention model for various professionals. The research involved the use of a survey research instrument and a structured interview. These were administered to a "voluntary" pool of alleged abusers and victims. The questionnaire included items relevant to the subjects' knowledge and attitudes concerning sexual myths, hetero and homosexual relationships, and child sexual abuse. In addition, the subjects participated in a structured interview which provided information about their willingness to obtain accurate information about human sexuality. The results indicated the sample population to be similar to other reported populations regarding socioeconomic factors, educational attainment, socialization patterns and parenting roles. The data support differences in the responses of the male and female subjects, particularly with respect to source, and willingness to obtain correct information. Half of the sample indicated "peers" as their source of sex education. The majority of the subjects had not taken a course in human sexuality. A substantial body of data indicated that most of the sample accepted popular sexual myths. The sample differed from other populations as the subjects were both alleged abusers and victims. The study sample also differed with respect to the subjects' receptivity to participate in intervention programs. Several hypotheses were generated for future research. These suggest that there is a need to provide an opportunity in sex education for child victims, abusers, the community at large and various professionals. Finally, the study provides suggested outlines for professional curriculum design and a model for continuing education programs as a part of preventive interventions in child sexual abuse.