The objective of the proposed project is to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing sexual assault perpetration and related outcomes (i.e., bystander behavior; rape myth acceptance) for men who receive a group alcohol intervention only to men who receive a group integrated alcohol and sexual assault intervention.
Although research suggests that sexual assault interventions based on Bystander and Social Norms theory help to reduce sexual assault among college men, these programs do not completely eliminate sexual assault and their effects tend to fade over time. Unfortunately, there is minimal research on whether (1) decreasing alcohol use concurrently decreases sexual assault perpetration among college men and (2) whether alcohol interventions can be incorporated into existing sexual assault programs for college men (i.e., Bystander/Social Norms programs). Therefore, the objective of the proposed project is to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing sexual assault perpetration and related outcomes (i.e., bystander behavior; rape myth acceptance) for men who receive a group alcohol intervention only to men who receive a group integrated alcohol and sexual assault intervention. Specifically, the alcohol only intervention will consist of the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), an empirically-supported intervention for college student drinking. The integrated alcohol and sexual assault intervention, which we have termed Ohio University's Combined Alcohol and Normative Intervention program (OU CAN), will be modeled after BASICS and empirically-supported Bystander and Social Norms interventions for sexual assault. The current study will recruit 100 college men who are sanctioned by their university to receive an alcohol intervention for violating a campus alcohol policy: by definition an indicated and at-risk population for sexual assault perpetration. Men will be followed for 6 months to determine the effects of the intervention on sexual assault perpetration and other primary outcomes (e.g., bystander behavior).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
93
A one session intervention focused on reducing drinking with motivational interviewing
A one session intervention focused on reducing drinking and sexual behavior while drinking
A one session intervention focused on increasing relaxation skills
Sexual Experiences Survey
A self-report measure that examines potential sexual assault behaviors
Time frame: 6 months post-intervention
Bystander Behavior Scale
A self-report measure that examines opportunities and engagement in prosocial bystander behavior.
Time frame: 6 months post-intervention
Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale
A self-report measure that examines rape supportive beliefs
Time frame: 6 months post-intervention
Sexual Social Norms Inventory
A self-report measure that examines sexual normative beliefs
Time frame: 6 months post-intervention
Alcohol use Disorders Identification Test
A self-report measure that examines alcohol use
Time frame: 6 months post-intervention
Comprehensive Effects of Alcohol
A self-report measure that examines expectancies of alcohol use
Time frame: 6 months post-intervention
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
A one session intervention focused on reducing sexual assault with a focus on the role of alcohol