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

• Main Authors: Robert W Blum, Grace Sheehy, Mengmeng Li, Sharmistha Basu, Omaima El Gibaly, Patrick Kayembe, Xiayun Zuo, Jose Ortiz, Kitty S Chan, Caroline Moreau
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2019-01-01
• Series: PLoS ONE
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0218863

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.