An Evaluation of a Dating Violence Prevention Program for Middle School Students

A study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of a 5-session relationship violence prevention program involving a middle school of predominantly African-American students. A composite measure assessed changes in knowledge, attitudes, and methods of dealing with relationship violence. A pretest-posttest control group design was used. Results indicated that treatment group scores were significantly higher than control group scores at posttest (p < .001) and treatment group posttest scores were significantly higher than pretest scores (p < .001). There were significant differences in scores between regular-level students and those with a higher level of academic ability (advanced students). Within the treatment group, there was a level-by-gender interaction revealing that male advanced students made the highest gains. In examining specific items, improvements were made in knowledge about relationship violence and attitudes about nonphysical violence. No changes were seen in attitudes about physical violence or in methods of dealing with relationship violence.