This research tested the influence of two common sources of information on boys' perceptions of their risk for sexual abuse. In this sample exposure to prevention education programs was associated with a lower perceived likelihood of being sexually abused, and discussion of child sexual abuse with parents was associated with a higher perceived likelihood. The authors suggest that the information provided in prevention education programs emphasizes controllability of sexual abuse to a greater extent than do discussions with parents, so that boys exposed to these programs see their risk as reduced. The potential consequences of these findings are discussed in relation to controversies surrounding the teaching of information about sexual abuse to children.
