An Evaluation of a Dating Violence Prevention Program for Middle School Students

A study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of a 5-session relationship violence prevention program involving a middle school of predominantly African-American students. A composite measure assessed changes in knowledge, attitudes, and methods of dealing with relationship violence. A prete...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Violence and victims 1997-01, Vol.12 (3), p.223-235
Main Author: Macgowan, Mark J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Analysis of Variance
Attitudes
Behavior
Behavioral Sciences
Chi-Square Distribution
Child
Conflict resolution
Counseling
Courtship
Dating (Social)
Design
Educational Programs
Emotional abuse
Female
Florida
Gender differences
Health Education - organization & administration
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Junior High School Students
Male
Males
Marriage and Family Counselling
Policy, Social Justice, and Human Rights
Prevention
Program Evaluation
Psychology
School violence
Secondary schools
Self esteem
Sex Differences
Social and Personality Psychology
Social skills
Social Work
Student Attitudes
Students
Studies
Violence
Violence - prevention & control
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Summary:A study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of a 5-session relationship violence prevention program involving a middle school of predominantly African-American students. A composite measure assessed changes in knowledge, attitudes, and methods of dealing with relationship violence. A pretest-posttest control group design was used. Results indicated that treatment group scores were significantly higher than control group scores at posttest (p < .001) and treatment group posttest scores were significantly higher than pretest scores (p < .001). There were significant differences in scores between regular-level students and those with a higher level of academic ability (advanced students). Within the treatment group, there was a level-by-gender interaction revealing that male advanced students made the highest gains. In examining specific items, improvements were made in knowledge about relationship violence and attitudes about nonphysical violence. No changes were seen in attitudes about physical violence or in methods of dealing with relationship violence.
ISSN:0886-6708
1945-7073
DOI:10.1891/0886-6708.12.3.223