Presenting results from the first trial of PACT at the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality conference (Vancouver, 2022)
The PACT program
For my dissertation 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). The program was developed in adolescent feedback cycles and grounded in health behavior change and persuasion theories (e.g., Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model).
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!
National LGBTQ+ Health Conference (Atlanta, 2024)
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 find the adapted PACT (Promoting Assertive Communication among Teens) program at the link below. The evaluation of the new program will start in 2026!
Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality annual conference (Philadelphia, 2025)
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo (Minneapolis, 2024)