Development and Validity of the Teachers' Attitude, Comfort and Training Scale (TACTS) on Sexuality Education (open access)

Development and Validity of the Teachers' Attitude, Comfort and Training Scale (TACTS) on Sexuality Education

The purpose of the study was to design and validate an instrument designed to investigate teachers' attitudes in regard to adolescent sexuality education. Test development adhered to the guidelines of Aligna and Crocker. Cronbach alpha was performed on the entire instrument and determined the reliability to be .8003, thus the instrument was consistent in measuring the domain areas. A panel of experts assessed content validity of items. A principal component factor analysis and a Pearson's product moment correlation were used for construct validity. Teacher concerns about curriculum implementation, teacher comfort with the subject matter, course-specific teacher attitudes, teacher interest about curriculum content, and teacher attitudes toward sexuality were found to be the constructs of the TACTS.
Date: May 1999
Creator: D'Entremont, Laura S.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Social Control and Self-Control Factors Associated with Interpersonal Violence in Adolescent Females (open access)

Social Control and Self-Control Factors Associated with Interpersonal Violence in Adolescent Females

Adolescent females are committing an increasing number of violent interpersonal acts. This study used the qualitative technique of focus group interviews to explore social control and self-control factors which impact such behaviors. Forty-seven girls aged 10-18 years described situations and events where interpersonal violence might be used and also what might prevent such acts. For the girls interviewed, social controls were the predominant means of controlling the use of interpersonal violence. Family and peer groups were the most powerful social controls, whether positive or negative. Self-control was deemed important but most girls lacked either the skills or desire to engage in self-control. Violence prevention programs need to teach techniques for improving self-control and increasing self-concept to be most effective.
Date: May 1999
Creator: Mavis, Beverly J.
System: The UNT Digital Library