Abstract
Objective
Sexual assault is prevalent among undergraduates in Greek-letter organizations (GLO). Prevention efforts promote sexual consent, though few explicitly employ theoretical constructs known to positively influence behavior. This study evaluated theory-informed educational posters promoting sexual consent seeking.
Participants
Forty undergraduate GLO students (20 female, 20 male) were recruited through in-person, email, and social media solicitation. Data collection was completed March–November 2019 during the spring and fall semesters.
Methods
A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Intervention participants viewed theory-informed educational posters promoting sexual consent.
Results
The intervention group demonstrated more favorable consent intention (p = .024; η2 = 0.131) and consent subjective norms (p = .040; η2 = 0.109). Intervention group males showed a greater improvement in one of four consent attitudes (p = .045; η2 = 0.211).
Conclusions
Brief exposures to theory-informed messaging may help to improve subjective norms and behavioral intent to seek sexual consent among undergraduate GLO members.
Conflict of interest disclosure
The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements of the United States of America, and received approval from the University of Miami’s Institutional Review Board.