Evaluation of an innovative approach to sexual violence bystander training for student-athletes: leveraging coaches as key influencers

Date
2021
DOI
Authors
Bowman, Chelsey Elizabeth
Version
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Given high rates of sexual violence on college campuses, prior research has identified bystander training as a promising prevention strategy. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has called upon athletic departments and student-athletes to be campus leaders in sexual violence prevention. There is a lack of research on optimal ways to engage coaches and student-athletes in sustainable sexual violence bystander prevention efforts. This study examines the efficacy of an innovative bystander prevention program in which coaches were co-facilitators. Student-athletes and coaches from one Division I university were randomized to either receive the bystander prevention program from a facilitator and their coach with their team or from two facilitators with other same-sex teams. Student-athletes completed measures prior to training and at least two months following the training. Data from student-athletes was analyzed using MANOVA, and data from coaches was analyzed using paired sample t-tests. Student-athletes (n= 133) and coaches (n= 5) completed pre- and post-intervention assessments, which measured knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sexual violence. Results demonstrated that the student-athletes’ knowledge, attitude, and behaviors did not differ at follow-up depending on delivery method. Regardless of delivery method, there were no significant differences in student-athletes' knowledge, attitude, and behaviors from pre- to post-intervention. The small sample of coaches demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge from pre- to post-intervention. Results support previous findings that one-time interventions have not been found to lead to changes in attitudes and behaviors. The lack of differences between the groups suggests that utilizing coaches as co-facilitators of bystander prevention programs may be a promising strategy.
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