Initial Content Development

Respectful Futures—Shaping Healthy Relationships—Initial Content Development

As an initial step, we completed a scan of programs and courses which aim to offer similar learning outcomes. The scan showed no clear agreement as to what works best, with whom, and under what circumstances; as a result program evaluation needed to be an integral part of this planned prevention program. We drew upon the best available research evidence, and the expertise of professionals and practitioners to arrive at the key foundational topics. The following topics were identified for potential inclusion:

The link between THINKING, FEELING and BEHAVIOUR
Personal Rights
The need to control - description, cause and consequence
Anger Management
Personal needs (sleep, nutrition, security)
Jealousy
Self-esteem - how do we get it, and how do we lose it
Problem solving skills
Sexual assault - description and prevention
Substance use and abuse
Feelings and Emotion
How to de-escalate a conflict

Defining respectful relationships
Defining and understanding dating abuse
Sexual stereotypes and the impact
Communication skills
Culture and the acceptance of abuse
Sexuality and intimacy
Stress reduction and relaxation techniques
Cyber bullying
Phone, texting and internet safety and conduct
Gender stereotyping
How to stop your/your friend's abusive behaviour
Pornography

We then proposed developing six modules which would include the following concepts:

Building relationships through better communication
Characteristics of healthy relationships
Impacts of unhealthy relationships
Understanding and managing anger
Exploring the links between thinking, feeling and behaviour
Learning how to develop healthy relationships

The proposed modules include many of the suggested topics identified in the literature scan, and could be developed to be age appropriate.