Abstract
Support from a nonoffending caregiver can play a critical role in helping children recover from sexual abuse. Unfortunately, many caregivers lack the skills to effectively support their child or struggle to use their skills during the chaotic aftermath of sexual abuse disclosure. The few studies evaluating interventions designed for nonoffending caregivers suggest existing programs are lengthy and can require extensive resources to administer. This pilot study examined the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of a brief parenting intervention (Project Support module) among a sample of nonoffending caregivers and their children. Participants were 21 nonoffending caregivers (81% mothers) and their children (aged 5-11 years) recruited from a children’s advocacy center. Assessments were completed at baseline and post-intervention. Families were randomized to either the Project Support module or a treatment-as-usual control group. Results indicate caregivers who received the Project Support module reported improved caregiver support and parenting self-efficacy, and children reported lower levels of dismissive parenting. Caregivers reported high levels of acceptability and satisfaction with the program. Although the results should be interpreted with caution, these pilot findings offer some promising support for future, larger evaluations of brief parenting programs for nonoffending caregivers.
Degree Date
Summer 8-4-2021
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Department
Psychology
Advisor
Ernest Jouriles
Second Advisor
Renee McDonald
Third Advisor
David Rosenfield
Fourth Advisor
Katrina Cook
Fifth Advisor
Sunita Stewart
Number of Pages
82
Format
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Rancher, Caitlin, "Caregiver-Child Communication Following Child Sexual Abuse: A Pilot Trial of a Project Support Module" (2021). Psychology Theses and Dissertations. 30.
https://scholar.smu.edu/hum_sci_psychology_etds/30
