What is love? A needs assessment to identify a relevant teen dating violence education curriculum for a high school

Author

Nicole Pina

Graduation Date

2016

Document Type

Project

Program

Other

Program

Project (M.S.W.)--Humboldt State University, Social Work, 2016

Committee Chair Name

Jennifer Maguire

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Violence prevention curriculum, Social media, Relationships, Violence prevention programs, Curriculum, Needs assessment surveys, High schools, Violence education programs, Violence awareness curriculum, Humboldt State University -- Projects -- Social Work, Violence awareness programs, Teen dating violence, Peers, Abusive relationships, Intimate partner violence

Abstract

Many adult survivors of intimate partner violence will experience their first abusive relationship as a teenager. Adolescence is a critical time to teach youth about healthy relationships and the warning signs of dating abuse and schools may be the best place to access the majority of teens. This project is a needs assessment for a teen dating violence awareness program at a high school and a recommendation for a relevant school curriculum. The needs assessment consisted of data collected from a focus group of high school students. I asked the youth (n=22) a series of questions about their attitudes towards dating, relationships, and supporting friends who are victims of abuse. I also collected data from six interviews from professionals (n=6) who work directly with adolescents regarding their experience teaching youth about dating violence and relationships. The results of the data show a need for education that addresses peer loyalty, family influence, digital technology in abusive relationships, media portrayal, and engages teens on multiple levels through discussions, role plays, and interactive lessons. A specific curriculum was recommended for use at the high school that addresses all of these topics and helps school counselors and teachers build relationships with students who may be experiencing intimate partner abuse.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/7h149s18p

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