Prevention of dating violence and promotion of life skills with adolescents

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of a preventive intervention on intention of coping with dating violence and sexist and homophobic beliefs among adolescents. 60 adolescents were allocated not randomly in two experimental conditions: CI (N = 27) and CC (N = 33). While the CC did not receive any intervention, the CI received a seven-group-sessions intervention focused on gender, rights and life skills. The results, analyzed by incomplete sentences applied before and after the program, pointed to a greater reduction in sexist and homophobic beliefs among the CI participants in comparison to those from CC. The results on intentions of coping with dating violence were similar between the experimental conditions, with increased negotiation and decreased resignation and violence. The practice of interpersonal skills during and after the program, at five-months follow-up was reported. We discuss the contributions and limitations of this study.