Improving relationship health in older adolescents through media literacy education
Official title: Mechanisms of Media Literacy Education for Promoting Relationship Health in Older Adolescents
Funded at Innovation Research and Training, INC. · NIH-10814159 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help older teens in community college make better choices about relationships and sexual health by teaching them how to think critically about media messages, so they can have healthier relationships in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Innovation Research and Training, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 6, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $622,861 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD099134-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10814159 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are community college students aged 18-19 who are at risk for unhealthy sexual behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the age range of 18-19 or who are not enrolled in community colleges may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the relationship and sexual health of older adolescents, particularly community college students, by using media literacy education (MLE). The program aims to improve critical thinking about media messages related to sex and relationships, which are often misleading or harmful. By evaluating the effects of MLE on students' beliefs and behaviors, the research seeks to understand how these educational interventions can lead to healthier relationship choices over time. Participants will engage in a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved sexual and relationship health outcomes for adolescents by equipping them with the skills to critically analyze media messages.
How similar studies have gone: Previous evaluations of media literacy education programs have shown positive short-term effects on sexual and relationship health, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Innovation Research and Training, INC.
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scull, Tracy Marie — Innovation Research and Training, INC.
- Study coordinator: Scull, Tracy Marie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.