Ethnic Identification in 10- to 12-Year-Old Schoolchildren Exposed to Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Videos

Abstract

Child sexual abuse is a public health problem in Ecuador, where more than 52,000 cases were recorded between 2018 and 2023, highlighting the urgent need for more effective preventive strategies. This study analyzed how the ethnic representation of characters in educational videos on child sexual abuse prevention influences the level of identification among 10- to 12-year-old schoolchildren. The purpose was to investigate whether perceived ethnic similarity between schoolchildren and the main character influences emotional connection and comprehension of the preventive message. A quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design was adopted, involving a sample of 137 students (59 girls, 78 boys) from a public school, who were evaluated using an ad hoc questionnaire measuring ethnic perception, character identification, and message comprehension. Findings showed a positive and significant correlation between perceived ethnic similarity with the character and the level of identification. It is concluded that ethnic representation in educational materials constitutes a relevant psychological mechanism that enhances the effectiveness of preventive strategies against child sexual abuse, particularly in multicultural child populations.