An Interactive Education Program to Reduce High Risk Behavior in Adolescents Ph II
Klein Buendel, Inc.
Summary
Using the efficacious iTRAC intervention to enhance emotion regulation competencies as a foundation, this study will create and test iTRAC-HERO to teach emotion regulation skills in the context of sexual health education.
Description
Adolescence is a critical developmental period during which behavioral patterns are formed that have powerful influences on current and future health. This is particularly true for sexual behavior, which is affected by the biological changes of puberty as well as normative developmental tasks around sexual exploration. Engaging in sexual behavior in early adolescence (before age 15) is associated with more partners, less condom use, and more frequent sex as teens get older, and these factors increase risk for negative health outcomes (e.g., sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnan…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 12–14 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Attending 7th grade * Between 12 and 14 years old * Parent/guardian speaks English or Spanish * Attending participating school Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to read at a 4th grade level * Have a sibling who has participated in the study * Have a development disorder
Interventions
- BehavioraliTRAC-HERO
iTRAC-HERO will consist of eight, approximately 45-minute, "gamified" digital modules of 4-6 activities (games, videos, etc.). No instruction is needed to use the program. Content will use gender- and sexuality-inclusive language and avoid heteronormative descriptions of risk. This content will include strategies for (and practice with) recognizing and managing emotions, particularly in relation to sexual health situations, to enhance the likelihood that the emotion regulation and sexual health education provided can be applied to experiences that are emotionally arousing and lead to risk.
Location
- Klein Buendel, Inc.Golden, Colorado