Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology.

This thesis investigates the effectiveness of a videotape presentation containing information about the sexual abuse investigation process in Auckland, New Zealand. The videotape describes the processes of the social work investigation, evidential interview, medical examination, police investigation, and counselling, and briefly presents the personal experiences of some primary caregivers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 primary caregivers who viewed the videotape and 12 who did not. Statistical analyses of the interview and questionnaire data after the videotape presentation revealed no significant differences between the two groups regarding level of knowledge or satisfaction with the process. However, primary caregivers who viewed the videotape experienced significantly lower levels of stress than primary caregivers who did not view the videotape. Qualitative data from primary caregivers who viewed the videotape revealed that the videotape increased primary caregivers' confidence in their knowledge, ability to support their child, and reduced their sense of isolation. The findings support the need to consider innovative ways of improving the provision of information within a context of general support and assistance to primary caregivers, their children, and the family as a whole. Recommendations are presented to improve service delivery. Source: Author's abstract

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