“You Learn So Many Things”: Youths’ Subjective Perceptions of Growth in a Drama-Based Sexuality Education Program

ABSTRACT

Many studies document the benefits of positive youth development programs, yet few examine youths’ own understanding of the growth they experience through participation. We conducted a qualitative exploration of 11 youth participants’ impressions of a drama-based sexuality education program and its impact on them. Participants credited the program with increasing their intra- and interpersonal competence. Importantly, several also asserted that many of their strengths predated their involvement. They saw the program as a platform on which they could demonstrate these qualities, not necessarily their origin. Our findings highlight the importance of providing the opportunities that will enable youths’ community engagement.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported through the Les Brun Fund from the Buffalo Center for Social Research at the University at Buffalo. We are thankful to Yvonne Stephens, Stephanie Friot, Najeyah Sultan, Donald Capers, Planned Parenthood of Western New York, and especially the TRT group members.