DOI: 10.3886/icpsr37490
title: Examining an Integrated Bystander and Alcohol Program for Sexual Assault Perpetration: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial, Midwestern U.S., 2017-2019
title: Archival Version

description: 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.
description: 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.
description: 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.
description: 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.
description: Not applicable.
description: 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.
description: 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)
description: 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.
description: Datasets: DS0: Study-Level Files DS1: Baseline Data DS2: 3 Month Follow-Up Data DS3: 6 Month Follow-Up Data DS4: All Timepoints Data
description: Men college students in the Midwestern United States who violated a campus alcohol policy. Smallest Geographic Unit: None
description: on-site questionnaire; web-based survey