A meta-analysis of school-based interventions aimed to prevent or reduce violence in teen dating relationships

Forfatter(e)

De La Rue, L. Polanin, J. R. Espelage, D. L. Pigott, T. D.

År

2017

DOI

https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654316632061

Sider

7-34

Kategori(er)

Atferdsproblemer, antisosial atferd og atferdsforstyrrelser

Tiltakstype(r)

Skole/barnehagebaserte tiltak

Abstract

The incidence of violence in dating relationships has a significant impact on young people, including decreased mental and physical health.

This review is the first to provide a quantitative synthesis of empirical evaluations of school-based programs implemented in middle and high schools that sought to prevent or reduce incidents of dating violence.

After a systematic search and screening procedure, a meta-analysis of 23 studies was used to examine the effects of school-based programs.

Results indicated school-based programs influence dating violence knowledge (g = 0.22, 95% confidence interval [0.05, 0.39]) and attitudes (g = 0.14, 95% confidence interval [0.10, 0.19]); however, to date, the results for dating violence perpetration and victimization indicate programs are not affecting these behaviors to a significant extent.

The results of this review are encouraging, but they also highlight the need for modifications to dating violence prevention programs including the incorporation of skill-building components and a need to address the role of bystanders.