Risk Reduction Programming: Understanding Feasibility and the Role of Rape Myths

Abstract

Although risk reduction programming is a promising approach against college sexual assault, we need a better understanding of what makes the programming effective including understanding the role of rape myths. Additionally, it is unclear how college women perceive the programming which may affect feasibility. The present study evaluated a novel risk reduction program that utilizes Group Motivational Interviewing. Eligible college women with a sexual assault history were randomized to complete the program or to a control condition. Feasibility results indicated that students were interested in participating, were eligible at high rates, and had positive reactions to the program. Difficulties with feasibility included unequal distribution of participants across conditions, low rate of follow-up participation, and low occurrence of sexual assault for controls at follow-up. Rape myths were not found to be associated with risk reduction programming outcome factors. Preliminary efficacy results indicated that calculated effect size was lower than anticipated.