Teacher Outcomes from the Second Step Child Protection Unit: Moderating Roles of Prior Preparedness, and Treatment Acceptability

J Child Sex Abus. 2019 Aug-Sep;28(6):726-744. doi: 10.1080/10538712.2019.1620397. Epub 2019 Jun 18.

Abstract

Teachers play a critical role in child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention and intervention efforts. We examined the impact of the Second Step Child Protection Unit (CPU) on improving teacher awareness, attitudes, and teacher-student relations for 161 teachers. Teacher baseline scores and treatment acceptability were examined as moderators. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed a significant effect of the CPU on teachers' awareness, attitudes, and teacher-student relations, particularly for teachers with lower prior knowledge, attitudes, and student relationships. Teachers' acceptability of the CPU also moderated outcomes, where a higher level of acceptability of CSA interventions was associated with an increase in outcomes.

Keywords: Child sexual abuse prevention; acceptability; attitudes; knowledge; structural equation modeling; student relationship; teachers.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / prevention & control*
  • Child Protective Services / methods
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • School Teachers* / psychology
  • Students / psychology
  • Teacher Training
  • Young Adult