The effects of human relations studies on high school students' values

The purpose of this study was to seek researched responses to parental questions about the influence of Family Life education courses on family value systems. A comparison study was made between three classes of high school students. A treatment group (Human Relationships) received specific training in communication skills, intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. Two control groups (Gourmet Foods and Chemistry) followed subject course outlines.

The results of independent one-way analysis of variance tests indicated significant differences on the pretest of value rankings between groups. When t tests were used to compare Human Relationships and one control group (Chemistry) they suggested that students who chose to participate in a Human Relationship course of study brought with them a set of values different than those who did not select such a course.

Although this was only a formative study it would seem to support the current theory that high school students are responsive to and reflective of their family value system.