Work

Effectiveness of relationship education among high school youth: the role of context

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Resilience theory suggests that youth under more adversity benefit more from resource-based interventions. Most evaluations focused on majority youth, with few exploring under-represented youth from different contexts of adversity. This mixed method study evaluated the effectiveness of the Love Notes curriculum. We compared program outcomes for youth from various educational backgrounds with different levels of disadvantage (urban high schools, alternative education, and behavioural health contexts); also considering demographic differences. Quantitative results indicated that youth from behavioural health contexts had greater gains from the intervention than other groups on some outcomes, indicating resilience. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses showed that relationship skills, recognizing risks, and sex education were most useful. Least useful aspects were specific course contents, abstinence, and already-known uncomfortable topics. Results emphasize the importance and effectiveness of relationship education among youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, highlighting unique experiences based on context.

Source: International Journal of Adolescence and Youth

DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2025.2496446

Authors: Esra Şahin, Joshua J. Turner, J. Scott Crapo, Kay Bradford, Brian Higginbotham

Institution: Utah State University

Language: English

Topic: Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,226