Interpersonal relationship curriculum and student personal development
Abstract
PAIRS For PEERS (Practical Exercises Enriching Relationships) curriculum is designed for teenagers and young adults to develop the skills to experience caring and supportive relationships. This study evaluated the effectiveness of this curriculum to develop knowledge of and behaviors regarding peer relationships. Although instruments were used to measure whether after teaching the curriculum there were increases in self-esteem, relationship knowledge, responsible decision making, findings suggest that there were only significant changes in the number of confidantes chosen over time for the following variables: those with whom they could tell a secret; those who they could turn to for advice; and those with whom they could collaborate on a project. Since high school is the last required formal education American students attend, a curriculum to help students improve interpersonal relationship skills is important to help students develop and maintain healthy relationships at work, home, and with friends as well as future academic achievement. A trend toward over-emphasizing core curriculum may leave school decision-makers to question the need for courses such as family and consumer sciences. Classes in family and consumer sciences that deal with relationship skills, available in some high schools as electives, are an appropriate way to help students prepare for real life after high school.
Subject Area
School counseling|Curriculum development|Career and technical education
Recommended Citation
Louise Bailey,
"Interpersonal relationship curriculum and student personal development"
(2008).
ETD Collection for Tennessee State University.
Paper AAI3320220.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI3320220