Randomized Controlledtrial of the Go Grrrls Preventon Program

Abstract Title: Evaluating Go Grrrls: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Gender-Responsive Adolescent Development Program

Background and Purpose: Early adolescence represents a critical developmental period for shaping identity, decision-making, and future orientation, particularly for youth navigating gender-specific social pressures. Prevention programs targeting upstream factors—such as self-concept, coping, and relational skills—offer a promising approach to reducing later risk behaviors. This study examines the impact of the Go Grrrls curriculum, a gender-responsive program designed for middle school youth who identify as girls or non-binary, with the goal of strengthening protective developmental assets and reducing vulnerability to risky sexual behavior. Grounded in a developmental and empowerment framework, this research contributes to social work’s commitment to advancing equitable, strengths-based interventions that support youth voice and well-being.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 268 adolescents (ages 11–15) recruited primarily from middle schools in Pima County, Arizona. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Go Grrrls intervention (n = 135) or an attention-placebo control condition (Digital Citizenship curriculum; n = 133). The intervention consisted of eight sessions delivered over eight weeks by trained facilitators. Data were collected at baseline, immediate post-test, and 3- and 6-month follow-ups using validated measures, including the Healthy Adolescent Development Inventory (HADI). Analyses followed an intent-to-treat framework using ANCOVA models to assess between-group differences, controlling for baseline characteristics.

Findings: Results indicate that participation in Go Grrrls led to statistically significant and practically meaningful improvements across multiple domains of healthy adolescent development. At 3-month follow-up, youth in the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher scores in positive identity, coping skills, future orientation, peer connectedness, decision-making, and sexuality knowledge (effect sizes ranging from g = .32 to .47). These effects were largely sustained at 6-month follow-up, with continued significant improvements across most domains. Additionally, participants in the intervention group were more likely to report knowledge of reproductive health resources and understanding of consent. Marginally significant improvements were observed in intentions to delay sexual activity.

Conclusion and Implications: Findings support the effectiveness of Go Grrrls as a developmentally focused, gender-responsive intervention that strengthens key protective factors during early adolescence. By targeting upstream developmental outcomes rather than immediate behavioral change, the program aligns with prevention science and social work values emphasizing empowerment, equity, and long-term well-being. This study highlights the importance of investing in strengths-based, inclusive programming for youth and demonstrates how rigorous research can inform interventions that promote healthy development and reduce disparities. In alignment with the conference theme, this work underscores the role of social work research in advancing the common good by generating actionable evidence that supports the healthy development and agency of diverse youth populations.