Reduction of Sexist Attitudes, Romantic Myths, and Aggressive Behaviors in Adolescents: Efficacy of the DARSI Program

Background: The DARSI program (Developing Healthy and Egalitarian Adolescent Relationships) aims to prevent peer aggressive behaviors inside and outside social networks and educate adolescents on gender equality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the program on the reduction of sexist attitudes, myths of romantic love and aggressive behaviors in adolescents.

Method: 191 adolescents, aged 12 to 17 years (53.93% girls), assigned to an experimental group (3 classrooms) and two control groups (6 classrooms in two educational centers) participated in this study. A quasi-experimental design with control group was used and the effectiveness of the program was evaluated using a repeated measures factorial design.

Results: Findings showed a significant decrease in the experimental group in hostile sexism, benevolent sexism, myths of romantic love, direct aggression, relational aggression, and cyber-aggression.

Conclusions: The effectiveness of the evaluated program and the viability of joint interventions in the prevention of peer violence and teen dating violence are observed.