‘Deconstructing Stereotypes to Build Consent’: Evaluation of a Project on Social and Sexual Relationships in Adolescence

Evidence from the international literature indicates alarming prevalence rates associated with various forms of intimate partner violence since adolescence. To prevent gender-based violence and increase psychological well-being in intimate relationships, both the scientific literature and policy makers agree on the importance of implementing specific prevention and education programs targeting adolescents. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention to promote awareness of one's relationship with one's own body, stereotypes related to gender and sexuality, and the issue of sexual consent. Participants were adolescents aged 15-16 years who filled a questionnaire prior to the start of the intervention (Time 0, N = 192, 55.7% male) and two weeks following its conclusion (Time 1, N = 178, 53.9% male). Results indicate that compared to Time 0, after participation, body surveillance, benevolent sexism, and endorsement of the sexual double standard decreased, while no significant effect emerged in relation to the issue of sexual consent. Implications for research and intervention are discussed, with the goal of providing useful guidance for those implementing interventions for young people to address intimate partner violence and promote relationship well-being.