Preventing Sexual Violence in Adolescence: Comparison of a Scientist-Practitioner Program and a Practitioner Program...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Psychology
• Educational Interventions

Background:

• School-based programs are crucial for preventing adolescent sexual violence.
• Challenges include evaluating practitioner programs and implementing scientific ones in schools.
• Integrating scientific and practical knowledge offers a potential solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a scientist-practitioner program versus a practitioner program for adolescent sexual violence prevention.
• To assess short-term and long-term effects on knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and iatrogenic effects.
• To compare the implementation feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the programs.

Main Methods:

• A cluster-randomized experimental design involving 27 school classes and 453 adolescents (mean age 14.18).
• Random assignment to a scientist-practitioner program, a practitioner program, or a control group.
• Assessment of outcomes at pretest, posttest, and 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Both programs improved general knowledge, knowledge of professional help, and reduced victim-blaming attitudes in the short term.
• Long-term benefits included sustained knowledge improvements and, in the practitioner program, reduced victimization.
• No significant effects were observed on other attitudes or behaviors, and no iatrogenic anxiety effects were found.

Conclusions:

• Both scientist-practitioner and practitioner programs are promising for preventing adolescent sexual violence.
• The practitioner program may offer a more cost-effective approach with demonstrated long-term benefits in reducing victimization.
• Further research should explore optimizing program implementation and long-term behavioral impact.