Thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University. Available for loan from the Turitea Campus library.

This thesis evaluated pre-schoolers' understanding of the Feeling Special, Feeling Safe (FSFS) programme developed by the New Zealand Family Planning Association. It looked at whether children were able to learn the concepts taught, what concepts they found the most and least difficult, and explored what children understood the concepts to mean. It used both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Ninety-eight children from eight Manawatu kindergartens completed an adapted version of the Children's Knowledge of Abuse Questionnaire Revision II. The participant group of 63 children (average age 4 years and 7 months) completed the questionnaire after FSFS participation, and the control group of 35 children (average age, 4 years and 6 months) before FSFS participation. Parents of children in the participant group completed a six-item survey on how their child responded to FSFS, and their view of FSFS. The results support the hypothesis that children who had participated in the programme would have more knowledge of prevention concepts than children who had not participated in the programme. Parents generally viewed FSFS positively, although 13.5% observed negative behaviour changes stemming from the body ownership concept (that children are in charge of their body and have a right to say 'no' to unwanted touching). Results are discussed in view of adaptations and extensions to FSFS and prevention programmes for pre-schoolers in general that could aid children's learning and abuse prevention. FSFS was concluded to be a worthwhile prevention programme for pre-school aged children.--AUTHOR'S ABSTRACT

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