WSU Research
WSU Department of Sociology
Researchers at Wichita State University's Department of Sociology have been an integral part of Start Strong Wichita-acquiring information from students, parents and school staff regarding teen dating relationships. They have developed the tools, as well as conducted several focus groups with parents school staff, and the students. Surveys have also been distributed to members of the community at city events, such as Final Friday. Overall, the investigators in this research aim to gain useful insight into how teens, parents and teachers view and experience teen dating relationships.
Teens and parents often view dating relationships differently, which elicits difficulty communicating about what healthy relationships look like. Questions arise such as "Are kids 11-14 really dating?", "When is the right time to communicate about dating?", "Education and research is critical in order to develop communication outlets, as well as policy changes which can be implemented through schools. Wichita State University researchers have looked at previous research and programs that have been done in order to gain further knowledge about teen dating relationships. Our researchers are specifically interested in whether or not young adults recognize signs of an unhealthy relationships, and if they know what to do if they find themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. We also want to know if the lines of communication about relationships between teachers, parents, and teens are open, and if not, we want to learn how best to bridge the gap.
So far it has been found that teens rely upon their peers and their parents for guidance in the relationship battlefield. It is extremely important that we learn how to communicate healthy messages through methods which are already a stake in everyday happenings. Overall, we hope to promote healthy relationships, prevent unhealthy relationships, and provide the tools to know the difference.
Teens and parents often view dating relationships differently, which elicits difficulty communicating about what healthy relationships look like. Questions arise such as "Are kids 11-14 really dating?", "When is the right time to communicate about dating?", "Education and research is critical in order to develop communication outlets, as well as policy changes which can be implemented through schools. Wichita State University researchers have looked at previous research and programs that have been done in order to gain further knowledge about teen dating relationships. Our researchers are specifically interested in whether or not young adults recognize signs of an unhealthy relationships, and if they know what to do if they find themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. We also want to know if the lines of communication about relationships between teachers, parents, and teens are open, and if not, we want to learn how best to bridge the gap.
So far it has been found that teens rely upon their peers and their parents for guidance in the relationship battlefield. It is extremely important that we learn how to communicate healthy messages through methods which are already a stake in everyday happenings. Overall, we hope to promote healthy relationships, prevent unhealthy relationships, and provide the tools to know the difference.