Abstract
Introduction: Sexual harassment is a pervasive and often subtle type of sexual violence that can have lasting health and academic consequences among college students. Bystander intervention is a commonly used method in colleges to address sexual violence. For this study, first objective was to assess racial differences for RAA-based antecedents (intentions, attitudes, perceived norm, PBC) of BI to stop sexual harassment. A secondary objective was to examine determinants of attitudes, perceived norm, and PBC to evaluate if racial differences existed, and if so, inform future public health promotion interventions.
Methods: Traditional-aged undergraduate students (n=294; 68% female/69% white) from two universities took an online survey assessing RAA constructs towards engaging in BI to stop sexual harassment. Separate Linear regression models [white-, BIPOC students((black, indigenous, and people of color)] were used to regress RAA constructs on intentions to engage in BI.
Results: While both regression models explained a significant proportion of the variance for BI intentions, the model for BIPOC students’ intentions had more variance explained (adjusted R2=.405) compared to the model for white students (adjusted R2=.339).
Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that perceptions to engage in BI to prevent sexual harassment may vary by race. Future research should investigate the role of campus environment in how different racial and ethnic groups feel about BI engagement.