Gender Differences in Bystander Intervention Intentions to Prevent Sexual Assault: A Reasoned Action Approach

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate gender differences in determinants of bystander intervention (BI) participation among undergraduate students using the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA). Students (n = 291) were recruited via an online survey disseminated in general education courses at two US universities. The survey evaluated intentions, attitudes, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control toward participating in BI. Two linear regression models (man/woman) were used to understand how constructs of RAA regressed on intentions. Students, 18–24 years old, were mostly women (60.1%) and lowerclassmen (80.4%). While both models were significant, the model better predicted intentions among women (adjusted R² = .598) compared to men (adjusted R² = .479). Women had significantly higher intentions, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control to engage in BI compared to men (p < .05). Results show that men and women have different views on BI, and ways to promote BI may be better if they were tailored by gender. This provides insight into the role gender plays in BI to prevent sexual assault and could enhance health education approaches on campuses.

KEYWORDS:

• reasoned action approach
• bystander intervention
• sexual assault
• gender

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was generously supported by the William and Linda Frost Fund in the Cal Poly College of Science and Mathematics.

Notes on contributors

Christine L Hackman

Christine L Hackman is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Public Health at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. She researches novel approaches to assess and prevent sexual and intimate partner violence in young adults.

Paul Branscum

Paul Branscum is an Associate Professor at Miami University. My research mainly focuses on predicting and changing obesogenic health behaviors using theory-based approaches.

Sarah Rush Griffin

Sarah Rush Griffin is an Assistant Professor at Long Island University – Brooklyn. She focuses on mental health and health equity research among women on college campuses, in underserved communities, and in various settings around the world.

Arden Castle

Arden Castle is a recent graduate of the San Jose State University master’s in public health program and focuses on women’s reproductive and queer health.

Ellis Hagadorn

Ellis Hagadorn is a recent graduate of California Polytechnic State University with a degree in Kinesiology and a concentration in health science.