Presentation of results from the first trial of PACT: Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality conference (Vancouver, 2022)
The PACT program
As part of my dissertation work at NC State University, I designed a brief
(20-minute) digital program to teach adolescents sexual consent information and
skills: Promoting Affirmative Consent among Teens (PACT).
PACT was developed in adolescent feedback cycles and grounded in
health behavior change and persuasion theories. In a randomized controlled
trial with a national sample of over 800 adolescents (ages 14-16),
PACT strengthened consent knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy,
with effects on knowledge holding up after 3 months. The program was
also found generally likable among our adolescent participants!
Please reach out if you’re interested in learning more!
Presentation on the adaptation process at the National LGBTQ+ Health Conference (Atlanta, 2024)
Protocol for the PACT evaluation presented at the American Academy of Health Behavior Scientific Meeting (San Diego, 2025)
PACT for GBQ+ adolescents
My current NIH-funded project (#K99MD019060) involves expanding PACT to teach broader sexual assertiveness skills (including both sexual consent and condom negotiation) and tailoring content to meet the unique needs of gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ+) teenagers with the help of GBQ+ teen advisors.
Please see the adapted PACT (Promoting Assertive Communication among Teens) below. The evaluation of the new program will take place in 2026!
Presented at the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality annual conference (Philadelphia, 2025)
Findings from PACT needs assessment data presented at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo (Minneapolis, 2024)