Effects of Rock and Water, a psycho-physical training for boys

An effectstudy on Rock & Water

Rock and Water is effective on sexual behaviour and communication of boys aged 14-17 years old.

baseline, post (direct after intervention), follow-up 4 months later.

Rock and Water:

The Rock and Water course consists of a total of 14 lessons, and is normally taught during physical education classes. The first 8 lessons cover the basic principles of the course (self-defence, self-confidence, assertiveness and social skills) and can be taught in either primary or secondary schools. The next 6 lessons are designed for adolescents (aged 14 or older), and address sexuality, sexual aggressive behaviour and discovering one’s potentials.

Rock and Water employs psychophysical teaching methods. These comprise physical exercise to stimulate the pupils’ abilities to self-reflect and to articulate experience. Although Rock and Water was originally developed for boys, it has proven to be suitable for girls as well. With boys, the emphasis tends to be more on self-control, self-reflection and self-confidence. The course is hence physical in nature. It is supported by brief group conversations, which include room for self-reflection, and by short assignments.

In this study the intervention was standardized for the implementation in the nine participating schools. In 7 weeks Rock and Water was given by schoolteachers. Schools could choose between either 7 block hours of 90 minutes or 10 single lessons of 60 minutes (once or twice weekly). At 4 schools the 7 block hours and in 1 school the 10 lessons were given. All boys were prepared for Rock & Water in mentor lessons. For this study the program developer has selected exercises from all available exercises of Rock and Water. First, in all lessons attention was paid to the physical, social and mental resilience. Second, because the effect study was focused on sexual aggression, special attention was paid to manners in which respect for each other and respect for rules were important. Furthermore, exercises were chosen on sexual violence.