# “When we stop choosing them.” Recovering freedom in intimate relationships among adolescents

## TL;DR

This study explores how dialogic gatherings help adolescent girls choose healthier and safer relationships by countering coercive social messages.

## Contribution

The study introduces dialogic gatherings as an effective method to empower adolescent girls in choosing egalitarian relationships.

## Key findings

- Dialogic gatherings effectively countered coercive discourse among participants.
- Participants felt empowered to freely choose healthier relationships.
- The intervention was based on the book 'Radical Love' and used Communicative Methodology.

## Abstract

Rising violence in adolescent sexual-affective relationships is a global concern. Studies attribute the issue to socialization towards violence and coercive discourse, which might contribute to pushing girls into violent and non-egalitarian relationships. Prevention hinges on science-backed dialogic interventions, focusing on attraction and election of egalitarian relationships. This research examines a dialogic gathering intervention with 15 heterosexual adolescent girls (aged 15–18), mainly using the book “Radical Love.” Communicative Methodology assessed the impact on the participants, with audio-recorded dialogues, life histories, and focus groups. Results reveal the dialogic gatherings’ effectiveness in countering coercive discourse and empowering participants to freely choose the safest and healthiest sexual-affective relationships.