Relationship Smarts PLUS (RS+) is designed to help youth ages 14-18 gain knowledge and develop skills for making good decisions about forming and maintaining healthy relationships. Based on the cognitive and communications theories and concepts embodied in the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), reviewed separately by NREPP, RS+ aims to increase reasoning and positive conflict management skills, healthy relationship skills and knowledge, and beliefs regarding healthy relationships, while decreasing destructive verbal and physical aggression.
RS+ is implemented by an instructor in 13 sessions, each of approximately 1 hour, that cover four units: Foundation for Understanding Romantic Relationships, Knowledge About Dating Relationship Processes, Communication Skills for Healthy Relationships and Marriages, and Marriage and Planning for the Future. Topics addressed include setting and attaining future goals, dealing with peer pressure, understanding the building blocks of good relationships and the meaning of love and intimacy, identifying and making good relationship choices, determining whether a relationship is healthy or unhealthy, using good communication skills and changing negative communication patterns, and understanding why a healthy marriage matters. Sessions include presentations, small- and large-group discussions, creative activities, practice using specific relationship skills, and video illustrations. Youth are also given opportunities through brief take-home activities to discuss what they have learned in the class with a parent or trusted adult.