The Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships Module focuses on helping youth identify the key characteristics in healthy and unhealthy relationships and the importance of setting healthy boundaries in relationships. It is important to recognize that relationships fall on a continuum and are often complex and confusing to navigate, hence the importance of defining clear boundaries and recognizing when relationships are becoming unhealthy. In this module, youth will learn about the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships, strategies for maintaining healthy relationships and ending unhealthy relationships, and tools for navigating the power dynamics within relationships. It is important to note that the content covered in this module applies to all kinds of relationships (e.g., peer, romantic, familial, etc.).

Big Messages:

• Healthy relationships are based on respect, healthy boundaries, and clear communication
• Unhealthy relationships are based on power and control
• Treat others the way you want to be treated
  

Learning Goals:

Increase understanding of the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships and to learn strategies for setting healthy boundaries in relationships

• Identify differences between healthy vs. unhealthy relationships
• Explore how to set healthy boundaries in relationships
• Increase awareness of different types of relationships (e.g., not just focusing on romantic ones)
• Identify ways to maintain healthy relationships
• Identify ways to end unhealthy relationships
• Increase awareness of power and boundaries in relationships

What The Evidence Says

Being in relationship with one another is a fundamental human attribute. In adolescence, individuals begin to explore different types of relationships such as deepening friendships and embarking on romantic relationships. Overall, relationships can be complex and confusing to navigate, hence the importance of defining clear boundaries and recognizing when relationships are becoming unhealthy. In this module, youth will learn about the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships, strategies for maintaining healthy relationships and ending unhealthy relationships, and for navigating the power dynamics within relationships.

Generally, researchers have recommended healthy relationships programming start early (Schubert, 2015; Wolfe, et al., 2009). Children and youth need support in identifying what makes healthy and unhealthy relationships, how to avoid unhealthy relationships, and how to respond and get help in the event of unhealthy relationships. This would include understanding and practicing how to set healthy boundaries and how to effectively resolve conflicts through clear communication. Antle and colleagues (2011) evaluated a health relationships program that involved examining patterns in healthy and unhealthy relationships and practicing conflict resolution skills. They found that youth who received this program reported significant gains in relationship knowledge, communication and conflict resolution skills, and much lower acceptance of violence in dating violence.

Note to Facilitator:

The facilitator has a legal obligation to report suspicions of child abuse to a child protection agency (in the case of Ontario, the Children’s Aid Society (CAS)). Please review over the information provided around disclosure and the reporting process.

Activities

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships Scenario Swap
Role Playing Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships
Healthy-Unhealthy-Abusive
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