An exploration of prevention programmes aimed at educating young people about dating and sexual violence

Kaur, Kahmini (2024). An exploration of prevention programmes aimed at educating young people about dating and sexual violence. University of Birmingham. Foren.Psy.D.

Preview

Kaur2024ForenPsyD_Redacted.pdf
Text - Redacted Version
Available under License All rights reserved.
Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

The main aim of this thesis was to gain insight into prevention programmes which aim to educate young people in education about healthy and unhealthy relationships. Studies have found such programmes can have a positive impact on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour (e.g., help seeking and the development of protective skills). Chapter one introduces the thesis and provides a rationale for exploring this topic, highlighting the prevalence of dating and sexual violence amongst young people. Chapter two presents a systematic literature review of fifteen articles evaluating online prevention programmes focused on dating and sexual violence. Ten different programmes are discussed in view of their effectiveness and views about the online delivery format. Chapter three presents an empirical project which utilised focus groups to gather students’ views and experiences of attending a Theatre in Education prevention programme about abuse in teenage relationships. Three superordinate themes were generated from the analysis alongside various subthemes. Students spoke about the mode of delivery being realistic and that it facilitated understanding of the plot. The scenarios were discussed in detail and many students thought they were realistic and relatable for the audience. Students reported having taken away key messages about abusive relationships and how to recognise unhealthy behaviours in a relationship. Students also learnt that adults were sources of support and reported that they would seek out help if they witnessed potentially abusive relationship behaviours. Feedback was positive, and students thought the programme taught them how to conduct themselves in relationships, as well as signs to look out for. Comments were made by a minority regarding the appropriateness of the target age for the programme and the cultural relevance of the scenarios. Chapter four presents a critique of the Dating Violence Questionnaire (DVQ; Rodriquez et al., 2007; 2010). Findings reported good psychometric properties related to reliability and validity. It is recommended for the DVQ to be validated with a UK population to see whether it can be meaningfully applied to the UK. Chapter five provides a summary of the thesis and outlines main implications for practice, strengths and limitations of the thesis, and future directions for research.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):