Effects of a Gender-Sensitive Dating Violence Prevention Program among Male and Female College Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a gender-sensitive dating violence prevention program (DVPP) for college students, focusing on its effects on gender sensitivity, gender role stereotypes, and acceptance of dating violence. Methods: A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was employed with 56 (28 males and 28 females) college students. A six-session DVPP, delivered weekly over six weeks in gender-specific small groups, was developed based on social structural theory, social learning theory, and a gender-sensitive perspective. Data were analyzed using the x2 test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Male students in the experimental group showed significantly higher gender sensitivity (Z=4.51, p<.001) and significantly lower gender role stereotypes (Z=-4.48, p<.001) and dating violence acceptability (Z=-4.49, p<.001) compared to the control group. Similarly, female students in the experimental group demonstrated higher gender sensitivity (Z=4.52, p<.001) and lower gender role stereotypes (Z=-4.51, p<.001) and dating violence acceptability (Z=-4.52, p<.001).Conclusion: The DVPP effectively improved gender sensitivity and reduced harmful attitudes toward dating violence, supporting its applicability in university and community settings.