Catharsis Productions’ prevention programming is grounded in theory from multiple disciplines; but at its core, it is moral education infused with best practices from prevention education and public health. Our programs utilize audience interaction, the latest research, facilitated dialogue, and the strategic humor to engage participants in a focused discussion that goes beyond checking a box.

Moral education aims to increase trainees' moral reasoning, helping them become respectful, just, and productive members of their community. Successful moral education is dialogical, problem-posing, and utilizes scenarios. We use facilitated dialogue about real-world moral problems for participants to reason about, and real-life situations for them to practice ethical behavior. It helps participants consider that what they may have believed to be acceptable behavior based on social norms, may have been harmful.

Best practices for prevention education and creating attitudinal transformation include relevance, motivation, and solid arguments grounded in a sound theory of change (Nation et al. 2003, Knowles 1984, Petty & Cacioppo 1986). Learners need to feel motivated to learn. Creating a positive emotional environment can contribute to motivation. Emotions are related to acceptance and engagement (Broughton, Sinatra & Nussbaum 2011, Heddy & Sinatra 2013). Too often prevention curriculum is developed without considering the emotions that are present. Kraft, Lodge, and Tabor (2016) found that learners have an emotional reaction to a controversial topic or object first. The initial emotional response then dictates what sort of information the brain prioritizes to either support or refute the new data (Kraft, Lodge & Taber, 2015). Many prevention programs fail before they start as they do not consider the audiences emotional attachment to the learning material and the importance of establishing a respectful space where fears are reduced and shared values placed at the center. Putting emotions first creates a positive learning environment which increases motivation in learners (Kraft, Lodge, & Taber 2015). Catharsis Productions creates a positive learning environment by utilizing humor and dialogical, rather than didactic, presentations often found in topics of a legal or controversial nature. When used appropriately, humor is positively associated with learning, retention, recall of information, and increased engagement (Martin, Phulik-Doris, Larsen, and Grey 2003).