Evaluation of a statewide youth‐focused relationships education curriculum^☆,☆☆

Abstract

Romantic relationships matter for adolescents. Experiences in romantic relationships facilitate key areas of personal and interpersonal development, however, problems in romantic relationships and lack of positive role models can lead to increased risk of developing unhealthy relationship patterns that can persist into adulthood. The goals of this applied research project were to examine the effectiveness of a youth‐focused relationships education curriculum, and to use the knowledge gained to inform practices in relationships education for adolescents. Findings from pre and post‐intervention assessments and from two follow‐up surveys provide evidence of program success and offer key insights for the development of an effective model of relationships education tailored for adolescents.

Effects of a "Healthy Relationship Development Program" on Conflict Levels of Turkish Adolescent Girls in Relationships

“…The program was effective in reducing the verbal-emotional abusive behaviours of adolescent girls (Foshee et al 1998;Wolfe et al 2003;Adler-Baeder et al 2007;Kerpelman 2009). This finding is also supported by similar studies (Foshee et al 1998;Wolfe et al 2003;Adler-Baeder et al 2007;Kerpelman 2009). …”

Evaluation of the High School Relationship Curriculum Connections: Dating and Emotions

“…Intervention that leads to positive relationship outcomes during adolescence when identity is forming and the capacity for intimacy is shaped seems highly desirable (Kerpelman et al 2009). However, little is known about the effectiveness of relationship curricula for this population (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation [ASPE] 2008; Myrick et al 2010).…”

“…About one-third of Healthy Marriage Initiative (HMI) grantees provide such education to high school students (NHMRC 2010). Relationship-focused education has immediate relevance for adolescents, as well as potential to influence their future, because romantic and sexual relationships expose youth to risks such as physical and emotional abuse, psychological distress, unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease (Kerpelman et al 2009). Recognizing the prevalence of dating abuse and the harm it causes, twelve states currently mandate or recommend relationship education as an intervention to prevent dating violence (Break the Cycle 2010).…”

“…First, while advocates of relationship education suggest that it can accomplish the above objectives, actual empirical evidence of effectiveness is limited. As states have begun to mandate relationship education (Kerpelman et al 2009) and dating violence prevention programs (Ohio Bar Association 2010), evidence is needed about the effectiveness of the curricula when they are taught in required rather than elective classes. Second, due to the relatively recent interest in teen-focused relationship education, the curricula themselves, as well as the means of evaluating them, are still in a formative stage (ASPE 2008;Kerpelman et al 2009;Myrick et al 2010).…”

“…However, little is known about the effectiveness of relationship curricula for this population (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation [ASPE] 2008; Myrick et al 2010). In existing studies of relationship education for teens, evaluations were conducted with students in elective rather than required classes, and the classes typically included more female than male participants (Gardner et al 2004;Kerpelman et al 2009). These studies have found that relationship education had a significant positive impact on youth (Gardner et al 2004;Kerpelman et al 2009), but they do not provide information about how students in non-elective classes with the normal distribution of male and female students respond to relationship education.…”