“I felt represented” : Incorporating Latino youth’s perspectives into theatre for dating violence prevention

Abstract

Latino adolescents experience high rates of multiple forms of dating violence (e.g., emotional, sexual, physical) both in-person and online. However, few interventions have been designed or adapted for Latino youth populations and is it critical that youth’s own voices translate to programming efforts. In this study, we explored Latino adolescents’ perceptions of a dating violence theatre intervention and solicited input on how the play may be adapted to reflect their dating experiences and cultural values. Youth participants (N = 95; Mage = 15.50) were from rural (n = 25) and urban (n = 75) areas of a Midwest state. After viewing a 20-minute play on teen dating violence, youth were divided into focus groups and assigned the role of a “playwright”. In this role, youth reviewed each scene of the play to assess its relevancy and to offer ways in which it could be more applicable to their lives. A group “sticky note” activity also prompted youth individually to describe how they felt after the play, what they had learned, and who they would turn to for help with dating violence. Finally, as a large group, youth discussed what it is like to date as a Latino teen, including how cultural values influence their dating experiences and help-seeking and help-offering behaviors. Data were analyzed thematically, yielding multiple recommendations for culturally and developmentally salient dating violence intervention. This study showcases how researchers can partner with community organizations to enact meaningful change while amplifying the voices of marginalized populations in the development of dating violence interventions.