Examining an Integrated Bystander and Alcohol Program for Sexual Assault Perpetration: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial, Midwestern U.S., 2017-2019 (ICPSR 37490)
Version Date: Jan 31, 2023 View help for published
Principal Investigator(s): View help for Principal Investigator(s)
Ryan C. Shorey, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee;
Brian T. Wymbs, Ohio University
https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR37490.v1
Version V1
Summary View help for Summary
In this study, the research team conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing sexual assault perpetration and related outcomes (i.e., bystander behavior, rape myth acceptance) for men who received a alcohol-only group intervention to men who received an integrated alcohol and sexual assault group intervention. Specifically, the alcohol-only intervention consisted 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, termed the Alcohol and Relationships Group, was modeled after BASICS and empirically-supported Bystander and Social Norms interventions for sexual assault. The research aims for this study were:
- To examine whether reductions in alcohol use predict reductions in sexual assault perpetration over the course of a 6-month follow-up period
- To examine whether men randomized to the integrated intervention have superior sexual assault outcomes (reduced sexual assault perpetration, increased active bystander behaviors, reduced endorsement of unhealthy sexual social norms, and reduced rape myth acceptance) relative to men randomized to BASICS only
The current study recruited 93 college men who were 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 were followed for 6 months to determine the effects of the intervention on sexual assault perpetration and other primary outcomes (e.g., bystander behavior). Measures were taken at baseline, at 3 months, and at 6 months.
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Smallest Geographic Unit View help for Smallest Geographic Unit
None
Restrictions View help for Restrictions
Access to these data is restricted. Users interested in obtaining these data must complete a Restricted Data Use Agreement, specify the reason for the request, and obtain IRB approval or notice of exemption for their research.
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Date of Collection View help for Date of Collection
Study Purpose View help for Study Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine if an empirically-validated group alcohol intervention reduces sexual assault perpetration among college-age men, and whether a combination alcohol and sexual assault intervention reduces sexual assault perpetration to a larger degree than an alcohol-specific intervention alone.
Study Design View help for Study Design
Participants were recruited from a large Midwestern United States university where students who violate a university alcohol policy are sanctioned to receive an alcohol intervention. University staff members provided handouts with study information and told students that the study would satisfy their sanction requirements. Contact information for interested students was then provided to research staff for screening.
Baseline assessments were conducted in-person and took approximately 1 hour. Participants received $20 as an incentive. After baseline, participants were randomized to either the alcohol-only intervention group or the integrated alcohol and sexual assault intervention group using a block randomization design. Participants received their intervention across two sessions one week apart and prior to the start of a weekend. Follow-up assessments were completed via Qualtrics web survey, and participants were compensated $25 for the 3-months survey and $30 for the 6-months survey.
The BASICS intervention incorporates motivational interviewing and personalized feedback about alcohol use patterns, expectancies, how to assess alcohol use and blood alcohol levels, the effects of alcohol on the body, and how to reduce negative alcohol-related consequences. Participants can also create individualized alcohol change plans if they choose. Because the BASICS session was 1 hour shorter than the integrated intervention, a second session on relaxation was added for this group.
The integrated intervention was modeled after BASICS and the Men's Social Norms and Bystander program, including normative feedback on alcohol use and sexual behavior among college men. The intersection between alcohol use, sexual behavior, and sexual assault is emphasized in this program. The social norms and bystander components incorporate active bystander intervention training, consent for sexual behavior, victim empathy, and information on sexual behavior and assault among college men, particularly how alcohol can inhibit consent and active bystander behavior.
Sample View help for Sample
College men who violated a campus alcohol policy were referred for possible participation. Of the 93 men enrolled, 50 were randomized to the integrated intervention and 43 to the BASICS only condition. The mean age was around 19 years old, with most participants identifying as White (95.7%), not Hispanic (93.5%), and heterosexual (94.6%). The majority of participants were sophomores (46.2%) and did not belong to a fraternity (72%). More than half (64.5%) had been arrested during the incident that led to their policy violation, and it was their first-ever sanction for 83.9% of the sample.
Time Method View help for Time Method
Universe View help for Universe
Men college students in the Midwestern United States who violated a campus alcohol policy.
Unit(s) of Observation View help for Unit(s) of Observation
Data Type(s) View help for Data Type(s)
Mode of Data Collection View help for Mode of Data Collection
Description of Variables View help for Description of Variables
Main measures included scales/items on completed and attempted sexual perpetration, sexual aggression, relationship conflict, alcohol consumption and drinking behavior, drug use, peer norms for drinking, participants' own and their perceived peers' sexual attitudes and behaviors, rape myth acceptance, and bystander intervention behaviors. Other psychosocial scales assessed impulse control, hostility, social anxiety, and antisocial behavior.
Demographics included race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, class standing, parents' income, housing, and relationship status.
Response Rates View help for Response Rates
Of the 105 men contacted for screening, 99 were reached and were eligible. A total of 93 men enrolled in the study and 6 declined participation. Sixty-six participants completed the 3-month follow-up assessment and 52 completed the 6-month assessment.
Presence of Common Scales View help for Presence of Common Scales
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)
Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT)
Hazardous Drinking Games Measure
Daily Drinking Questionnaire
Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire
Contemplation Ladder
Comprehensive Effects of Alcohol (CEOA)
Sexual Experiences Survey (SES)
Bystander Opportunity and Intervention Scale-Revised (BOIS)
Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory
Conflicts Tactics Scales
Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance (IRMA) Scale
Sexual Social Norms Inventory (SSNI)
UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior (Negative Urgency)
Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (Anger and Hostility)
Social Anxiety (SIAS-6 and SPS-6)
Antisocial Personality Traits (PDQ-4)
HideOriginal Release Date View help for Original Release Date
2023-01-31
Version History View help for Version History
2023-01-31 ICPSR data undergo a confidentiality review and are altered when necessary to limit the risk of disclosure. ICPSR also routinely creates ready-to-go data files along with setups in the major statistical software formats as well as standard codebooks to accompany the data. In addition to these procedures, ICPSR performed the following processing steps for this data collection:
- Checked for undocumented or out-of-range codes.
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