Author: Rebecca D. BrodyPublisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 92
Book Description
This dissertation was an investigation into the effect of a self-defense program (the Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Program) on adolescent girls' self-esteem and self-concept. Research demonstrated that when compared to a demographically similar control/comparison group, the girls who participated in the treatment group (the R.A.D. program) presented with significant increases in their self-reports of self-esteem and self-concept. With the use the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale, it was found that the girls who participated in the R.A.D. program presented with positive changes in self-esteem, total self-concept, behavioral adjustment, physical appearance and attributes, freedom from anxiety, popularity, and happiness and satisfaction. Ratings of intellectual and school status were not changed. No changes were seen in the control/comparison group over the same six-week period in all of the variables measured, demonstrating that the R.A.D. program was effective in eliciting positive psychological change in the participants. The findings from this study therefore may impact the availability and consistent use of the program, and its possible integration into a high school curriculum.