scholarly journals A Behavioral Science Framework for Understanding College Campus Sexual Assault

2021 ◽  
pp. 174569162110302
Author(s):  
Ana P. Gantman ◽  
Elizabeth Levy Paluck
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Person Perception ◽  
Behavioral Science ◽  
College Campuses ◽  
Mental Processes ◽  
Psychological States ◽  
Campus Sexual Assault ◽  
Science Approach ◽  
Informational Cues ◽  
Science Framework

We propose a behavioral-science approach to sexual assault on college campuses. In this framework, people commit assault when aspects of the immediate situation trigger certain psychological states. No set of mental processes or situational configurations is a precise predictor of assault. Instead, the interaction between mental processes and situational configurations predicts when sexual assault is more or less likely to occur. We begin with an illustrative story to show how a behavioral-science approach is relevant to sexual assault. Next, we map out a framework that suggests how behavioral theories of situations and mental processes have been or could be used to describe, predict, and develop ideas for the reduction of sexual assault. Relevant situational configurations include geographical configurations, local situational and informational cues, and situation-based power. Theories of mental processes include person perception, social norms, moral reasoning, and goals. Our framework can be used to demonstrate how “good” people can commit assault and how individuals can and will refrain from assault within institutions with a “bad” record. Compared with previous theories of sexual assault, a behavioral-science framework offers unique understanding and generative methods for addressing sexual assault on college campuses.

scholarly journals A behavioral science framework for understanding college campus sexual assault

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana P. Gantman ◽  
Elizabeth Levy Paluck
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Person Perception ◽  
Behavioral Science ◽  
College Campuses ◽  
Mental Processes ◽  
Psychological States ◽  
Campus Sexual Assault ◽  
Science Approach ◽  
Informational Cues ◽  
Science Framework

We propose a behavioral science approach to sexual assault on college campuses. In this framework, people commit assault when aspects of the immediate situation trigger certain psychological states. No set of mental processes or situational configurations is a precise predictor of assault. Instead, the interaction between mental processes and situational configurations predicts when sexual assault is more or less likely to occur. We begin with an illustrative story to show how a behavioral science approach is relevant to sexual assault. Next, we map out a framework that suggests how behavioral theories of situations and mental processes have been or could be used to describe, predict, and develop ideas for the reduction of sexual assault. Relevant situational configurations include geographical configurations, local situational and informational cues, and situation-based power. Theories of mental processes include person perception, social norms, moral reasoning, and goals. Critically, our framework can be used to demonstrate how "good" people can commit assault, and how individuals can and will refrain from assault within institutions with a "bad" record. Compared with previous theories of sexual assault, a behavioral science framework offers unique understanding and generative methods for addressing sexual assault on college campuses.

Campus Sexual Assault: A Systematic Review of Prevalence Research From 2000 to 2015

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Fedina ◽  
Jennifer Lynne Holmes ◽  
Bethany L. Backes
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Sexual Coercion ◽  
Sexual Victimization ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sexual Contact ◽  
College Campuses ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Campus Sexual Assault ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Unwanted Sexual Contact

Sexual assault is a pervasive problem on university and college campuses in the United States that has garnered growing national attention, particularly in the past year. This is the first study to systematically review and synthesize prevalence findings from studies on campus sexual assault (CSA) published since 2000 ( n = 34). The range of prevalence findings for specific forms of sexual victimization on college campuses (i.e., forcible rape, unwanted sexual contact, incapacitated rape, sexual coercion, and studies’ broad definitions of CSA/rape) is provided, and methodological strengths and limitations in the empirical body of research on CSA are discussed. Prevalence findings, research design, methodology, sampling techniques, and measures, including the forms of sexual victimization measured, are presented and evaluated across studies. Findings suggest that unwanted sexual contact appears to be most prevalent on college campuses, including sexual coercion, followed by incapacitated rape, and completed or attempted forcible rape. Additionally, several studies measured broad constructs of sexual assault that typically include combined forms of college-based sexual victimization (i.e., forcible completed or attempted rape, unwanted sexual contact, and/or sexual coercion). Extensive variability exists within findings for each type of sexual victimization measured, including those that broadly measure sexual assault, which is largely explained by differences in sampling strategies and overall study designs as well as measures of sexual assault used in studies. Implications for findings and recommendations for future research on the prevalence of college-based sexual victimization are provided.

Integrating Sexual Assault Resistance, Bystander, and Men’s Social Norms Strategies to Prevent Sexual Violence on College Campuses: A Call to Action

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 811-827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay M. Orchowski ◽  
Katie M. Edwards ◽  
Jocelyn A. Hollander ◽  
Victoria L. Banyard ◽  
Charlene Y. Senn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
College Campuses ◽  
Sexual Assault Prevention ◽  
Common Goal ◽  
Call To Action ◽  
Campus Sexual Assault ◽  
The Common ◽  
Assault Prevention ◽  
College Sexual Assault ◽  
Prevention Approach

Sexual assault prevention on college campuses often includes programming directed at men, women, and all students as potential bystanders. Problematically, specific types of sexual assault prevention are often implemented on campuses in isolation, and sexual assault risk reduction and resistance education programs for women are rarely integrated with other approaches. With increasing focus on the problem of sexual assault on college campuses, it is timely to envision a comprehensive and interconnected prevention approach. Implementing comprehensive prevention packages that draw upon the strengths of existing approaches is necessary to move toward the common goal of making college campuses safer for all students. Toward this goal, this commentary unpacks the models and mechanisms on which current college sexual assault prevention strategies are based with the goal of examining the ways that they can better intersect. The authors conclude with suggestions for envisioning a more synthesized approach to campus sexual assault prevention, which includes integrated administration of programs for women, men, and all students as potential bystanders on college campuses.

scholarly journals The Benefits and Challenges of a Regional Network to Address Campus Sexual Assault

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 26S-35S
Author(s):  
Patrick McGann ◽  
Jane E. Palmer ◽  
Greerlin Thomas ◽  
Lauren Ricci ◽  
Leah Haake
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Social Exchange Theory ◽  
Student Leadership ◽  
College Campuses ◽  
Institutional Setting ◽  
Regional Network ◽  
Campus Sexual Assault ◽  
Task Forces

To respond to the epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses, many postsecondary institutions have instituted campus climate surveys, strengthened sexual assault misconduct policies, and created sexual assault task forces to coordinate entities within the institutional setting. However, few colleges and universities have engaged with regional networks to exchange resources, research, and innovative practices across campuses. This exploratory study applies the theoretical framework of social exchange theory to examine the necessary infrastructure for a regional network to enhance campus policies and prevention programs related to sexual assault, and the efficacy of providing formal and informal opportunities for information sharing. Interviews were conducted with 10 staff and students from seven of the nine campuses in the network. The sample includes representatives from one large public university, two historically Black colleges, a community college, and three private universities, one of which is faith based. Results indicate that there are several benefits and a few challenges for college campuses that participate in a regional network. Primary benefits include resource and information exchange, as well as new opportunities for student leadership and collaboration across campuses. Some challenges include staff turnover and limited time to devote to the network, as well as distance between some campuses. Based on these findings, it is recommended that universities consider building informal or formal alliances with regional colleges for mutual benefit.

#MeToo is different for college students: Media framing of campus sexual assault, its causes, and proposed solutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 431-450
Author(s):  
Jane O’Boyle ◽  
Queenie Jo-Yun Li
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
News Media ◽  
Media Framing ◽  
College Campuses ◽  
Sports Teams ◽  
Campus Sexual Assault ◽  
Conservative Ideology ◽  
Media Attribute

This study analyzes 10 American newspapers to examine how they present stories (N = 500) about sexual assault on college campuses. Attributions for causes are examined, and which entities are framed most responsible for creating solutions to the problem: individuals, universities, fraternities, sports teams, or society. News media attribute causes to individuals such as victims and perpetrators, but solutions to universities. Liberal newspapers framed the victim as most responsible for causes, more than newspapers with conservative ideology, and were overall less likely to attribute responsibility for assaults to universities.

scholarly journals Exploring Definitions and Prevalence of Verbal Sexual Coercion and Its Relationship to Consent to Unwanted Sex: Implications for Affirmative Consent Standards on College Campuses

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandie Pugh ◽  
Patricia Becker
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Sexual Coercion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
College Campuses ◽  
Sexual Scripts ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Unwanted Sex ◽  
Campus Sexual Assault ◽  
Affirmative Consent

Campus sexual assault is a pervasive issue impacting the well-being, quality of life, and education of all students. There have been many recent efforts to prevent and address campus sexual assault, most notably the adoption of affirmative consent standards. (1) Efforts to address sexual assault on college campuses through an affirmative consent standard could be undermined by traditional gender norms, sexual scripts, and the power dynamics inherent in heterosexual relations, which lead to situations in which many women provide consent to unwanted sex. (2) Studies indicate that college women are likely to experience verbal sexual coercion, yet research has failed to come to a consensus on how to define, operationalize, and study verbal sexual coercion. (3) Research on sexual consent is also lacking, in particular as it relates to consent to unwanted sex as a result of the presence of verbal sexual coercion. (4) This article discusses how multiple forms of unwanted sex can be conceptually examined. (5) Policy implications and areas for future research are discussed.

Campus Sexual Assault: Future Directions for Research

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah McMahon ◽  
Leila Wood ◽  
Julia Cusano ◽  
Lisa M. Macri
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
College Campuses ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Education ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Campus Sexual Assault ◽  
Sexual Offenses ◽  
The Past ◽  
Rapid Pace

Campus sexual assault (CSA) has received unprecedented attention over recent years, resulting in an abundance of federal guidance and mandates. In response, efforts to address and prevent CSA at Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) across the country have grown quickly, including the development and implementation of programs and policies. Because the changes on campuses have occurred at such a rapid pace, a number of gaps exist within the field of CSA research. To ensure that changes on IHE are evidence-based, there is a need to review the existing research available and the inquiry still needed, based on key areas outlined in federal guidance, the expressed needs of campus community members, survivors, and students who commit sexual offenses on college campuses. The purpose of this review is to summarize the empirical research related to CSA gained from the past two decades and identify areas in which further work is needed, specifically related to key areas identified in recent guidance provided to IHE. This article concludes with guidance for research moving forward to help strengthen response and prevention efforts.

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