With the prevalence of high-risk drinking behaviors on college campus, adverse alcohol-related consequences are a major concern for universities. Additionally, the majority of campus sexual assaults are reported to involve alcohol consumption. This has led many college campuses to implement sexual violence prevention programs. The American College Health Association (ACHA) recommends that colleges utilize a community-based approach to sexual violence prevention programs. One component of this approach is bystander interventions which involves teaching students how to identify risk factors of sexual assault and the appropriate actions to take in those situations. This study examines the impact of bystander interventions on intent to intervene among college students who participate in drinking games.
The study’s sample consisted of 964 college students from three universities in the United States who completed an online survey. Participants were assessed on their acceptance of rape myth, which is beliefs that place the responsibility of sexual violence on women or dismiss responsibility from men. Students were also evaluated for bystander efficacy (one’s belief in their ability to reach a goal or behavior) and bystander attitudes (intention to intervene before, during, or after a sexual assault). True and false questions were utilized to assess students’ tendency to alter self-presentation to be more socially desirable. Lastly, participants were asked about previous sexual violence intervention training, demographic information, and involvement in Greek life. Data was analyzed using correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis to identify potential links between variables.
Results of the data analysis showed that bystander intent to intervene was significantly related to social desirability and Greek affiliation. Women and non-Greek affiliated students who participate in drinking games were reported higher levels of intent to intervene. Prior completion of sexual violence intervention programs was not associated with intent to intervene. After controlling for covariates (prior sexual violence training, social desirability and Greek affiliation), greater rates of rape myth acceptance were negatively associated with intent to intervene for male and female drinking gamers. For female drinking gamers, bystander self-efficacy significantly moderated the link between rape myth acceptance and intent to intervene. Lastly, in all participants as self-efficacy increased intent to intervene increased.
Takeaway: Attitudes regarding sexual assault and bystander self-efficacy may impact intent to intervene when witnessing sexual violence in college students who participate in drinking games.