Readiness to engage in assertive responding, self-protective dating behaviors, and sexual communication: A transtheoretical model-based analysis of college women

Abstract

Objective: Most sexual assault prevention approaches are universal in nature. The present study evaluated a Transtheoretical Model (TTM)–based Stages of Change (SOC) measure assessing readiness to utilize sexual assault risk reduction skills. The measure was evaluated with regard to Decisional Balance and Self-Efficacy. Participants: Survey data were collected from 300 college women (M_age=18.5, SD = 0.79). Methods: Three SOC measures were developed and evaluated for using: 1) assertive responding; 2) self-protective dating behaviors; and 3) open sexual communication. Item development was followed by exploratory, confirmatory, and external validation analyses. Results: Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) indicated two, six-item factors (Positive Outcomes α=.91; Negative Outcomes α=.85) for Decisional Balance. Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) supported a two-factor correlated model, χ²(66)=2101.70, p<.001, CFI=.946, RMSEA=.083. For Self-Efficacy, EFA indicated one, six-item factor (α=.81). Conclusions: These readiness assessments may guide understanding of factors influencing sexual assault risk reduction program outcomes and aid in tailoring program content.

Keywords:

• Readiness
• sexual assault
• sexual victimization
• stages of change
• transtheoretical model
• violence

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Ohio University.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.