A Theater Intervention to Prevent Teen Dating Violence for Mexican-American Middle School Students

Authors

Ruth Belknap, Marquette UniversityFollow
Kristin Haglund, Marquette UniversityFollow
Holly Felzer, Marquette University
Jessica E. Pruszynski, Medical College of Wisconsin
John Schneider, Marquette University

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

12 p.

Publication Date

7-2013

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Journal of Adolescent Health

Source ISSN

1054-139X

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.02.006

Abstract

Purpose

To test a theater intervention designed to raise awareness of the dynamics and consequences of teen dating violence (TDV) and to facilitate creation of nonviolent responses to TDV among Latino and Latina adolescents. The intervention was based on Theater of the Oppressed, which advocates the use of theater methods to explore social issues and to allow audiences to experiment with problem-solving, thereby promoting change.

Methods

This study used a pretest–posttest, no control group, mixed-measures design to study 66 Mexican-American adolescents (mean age, 13.4 ± 5 years). Two plays containing subtle and overt signs of control and abuse were written and performed. Scripts were based on data from prior studies of TDV among Latino and Latina adolescents. At baseline, we measured sociodemographics, personal safety, and ethnic identity. Pre–post instruments measured acceptance of TDV, confidence to resolve conflicts nonviolently, and intentions to use nonviolent strategies to resolve conflict. We collected qualitative data via essay.

Results

At posttest, participants had less acceptance of TDV (t = −2.08; p < .05), increased confidence to resolve conflicts nonviolently (t = 3.82; p < .001), and higher intentions to use nonviolent strategies (t = 3.35; p = .001). We analyzed 20 essays. Qualitative results provided context for understanding participants' changes in attitude, confidence, and nonviolent behavioral intentions.

Conclusions

This adaptation of Theater of the Oppressed was an effective way to interact with Latino adolescents. In a safe setting, participants vicariously experienced TDV, which facilitated self-reflection and cognitive rehearsal strategies to respond nonviolently to TDV.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Adolescent Health, Vol. 53, No. 1 (July 2013): 82-93. DOI. © 2013 Elsevier. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Belknap, Ruth; Haglund, Kristin; Felzer, Holly; Pruszynski, Jessica E.; and Schneider, John, "A Theater Intervention to Prevent Teen Dating Violence for Mexican-American Middle School Students" (2013). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 280.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/280