Measuring young adolescent perceptions of relationships: A vignette-based approach to exploring gender equality

PLoS One. 2019 Jun 27;14(6):e0218863. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218863. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

This paper reports the development and baseline data of a vignettes-based measure of gender equality.

Methods: Vignettes were developed through 3-day long focus groups. After piloting in 13 sites and repiloting a revised version in 6 countries, responses were categorized by the construct tapped and a scoring system developed. Finalized vignettes were then tested in DR Congo, Ecuador and China.

Results: Young adolescents can successfully respond to vignettes; and can differentiate self from hypothetical protagonists of same and opposite sex. Response differences by sex of respondent and protagonist were statistically significant across a range of scenarios and settings.

Conclusion: This is the first vignettes-based measure for young adolescents assessing young adolescent perceptions of relationships differentiated by sex of the protagonist.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior
  • Child
  • China
  • Civil Rights*
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Ecuador
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Human Rights*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Psychology, Adolescent*
  • Role Playing

Grants and funding

This study is supported through: the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Packard Foundation, USAID, Oak Foundation, WHO, and Save the Children. Specifically, Drs. Blum and Moreau have received funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Packard Foundation, USAID, and Oak Foundation. Dr. Basu was funded by the WHO. Dr. El-Gibaly received financial support from the WHO and Save the Children. Dr. Kayembe has been funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID. http://www.oakfnd.org; https://www.gatesfoundation.org; https://www.usaid.gov; https://www.packard.org; https://www.who.int; https://savethechildren.org/site//c.8rklixmgipi4e//b.9202159. Additional support for Dr. Blum comes from the William H. Gates Sr Endowed Professorship at Johns Hopkins University and Dr. Moreau is supported in part through the William Robertson Endowed Professorship.