The use of role-play in sexuality education

An integrative review

Bibliographic Data

ID21323639
AuthorsErin E McKenney (0000-0002-6820-1269, Rowan University, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume84
Issue8
Pages926-940
Publication date2025-12-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Education Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0017-8969 • E-ISSN: 1748-8176
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00178969251370244
OpenAlexW4413876035
LanguageEN
References cited44

Objective: Although role-play is a common pedagogic strategy in sexuality education, there has been little guidance to help educators in crafting and facilitating effective role-plays. This integrative review summarises existing literature on the effects and effectiveness of role-play, who may benefit from role-play, and what guidelines exist to aid in the facilitation of role-play in the context of sexuality education. Method: An integrative review was conducted, identifying a total of 34 relevant articles published between 1981 and 2024. Results: Overall, role-play was found to be a recommended and effective pedagogic strategy in sexuality education. However, the research literature highlights that educators often have difficulties facilitating and engaging students in effective role-play. Conclusion: Review findings suggest that educators would benefit from greater support in facilitating effective role-play. The principles of good practice identifiable in the existing literature can be summarised via the acronym GAMED: educators should set clear Guidelines, make Adaptations for the target population, Model effective engagement, Encourage participation and Debrief with students following the role-play. Future research may benefit from empirically evaluating guidelines such as these, and developing strategies to aid educators facilitate the challenging but promising pedagogic strategy of role-play

Human sexuality · Sex education · Sexuality education · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Child Therapy and Development · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · Psychology

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