524 - ADAPTING AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ON INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE FOR ADOLESCENT GIRL SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE: THE PERSEID PROJECT

Session: D03S027 - Trauma and Resilience 2
AUTHORS:
Guyon Roxanne (Laval University ~ Québec ~ Canada) , Hébert Martine (University of Quebec at Montreal ~ Montreal ~ Canada) , Moran-Novash Jade (University of Quebec at Montreal ~ Montreal ~ Canada) , Brodeur Geneviève ( ~ Montreal ~ Canada) , Fernet Mylène (University of Quebec at Montreal ~ Montreal ~ Canada)
Abstract text:
Adolescent survivors of sexual abuse are at an increased risk of experiencing violence in their first romantic relationships, making them a priority population for targeted prevention efforts. Exposure to multiple forms of violence during adolescence often results in distinct yet cumulative psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder, difficulty recognizing unhealthy relationship dynamics, and impaired sense of self. These consequences necessitate tailored psychoeducational interventions that go beyond universal prevention programs. This project aimed to adapt the evidence-based program Sparx, originally designed to promote positive romantic relationships among youth and delivered in high schools, to meet the specific needs of adolescent girl survivors of sexual abuse in a clinical setting. The adapted version, named Perseid, was developed in collaboration with the Intervention Center on Sexual Abuse for Families, where it is implemented. Based on the intervention mapping approach (Bartholomew et al., 2016), the adaptation followed six steps: (1) a need assessment with adolescents and clinicians; (2) development of a theoretical adaptation matrix; (3) selection of relevant psychological and trauma frameworks; (4) redesign of workshop activities; (5) pilot implementation in clinical group interventions; and (6) preliminary evaluation and adjustment of activities. Data sources included focus groups with adolescent girls and clinicians and observation notes from pilot sessions. Preliminary feedback highlights the program's relevance, the importance of using a trauma-informed approach, and the need to reduce the number and length of prevention activities to allow more time for personal reflection for vulnerable youth. The Perseid project illustrates how psychological theory and applied methods can inform the adaptation of universal prevention programs for vulnerable youth populations. Recommendations will be formulated for practitioners and researchers seeking to design or adapt trauma-informed, evidence-based programs for adolescent survivors of sexual abuse.