Evaluation of Web-based My Voice, My Choice for Decreasing Sexual Violence Victimization in College Women
Year: 2019
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Estimates suggest up to 80% of women are victims of some form of sexual violence. Assertiveness training programs are preventative interventions that empower women with skills to refuse and/or escape unwanted sexual situations. These interventions are efficacious at reducing sexual violence victimization over time but are limited in their dissemination potential. Web-based programs are an alternative that may increase dissemination, although evaluation is needed regarding their efficacy. The current study evaluates the feasibility and efficacy of an assertive resistance training program, My Voice/My Choice (MVMC), for female college students. We hypothesized participation in web-based MVMC would be associated with lower rates of sexual violence victimization over the follow-up period. We also hypothesized that participants who complete web-based MVMC would report fewer barriers to using assertive resistance skills, increased confidence in using assertive resistance skills, reductions in intent to use passive and polite resistance, and increased intent to use assertive resistance. A sample of female college students (n = 141) completed a baseline assessment before they were randomly assigned to participation in MVMC or an active control condition. Participants were contacted one month after baseline and at the end of the semester to complete online follow-up questionnaires. Overall, participants reported general satisfaction with and enjoyment of MVMC. Results also supported the efficacy of MVMC for reducing unwanted sexual contact over one- vi month. Furthermore, Number Needed to Treat (NNT) analyses indicated only six participants completing web-based MVMC would reduce occurrence of any form of sexual victimization by one, and seven participants completing web-based MVMC would reduce the occurrence of unwanted sexual contact by one. Findings from this study demonstrate initial promise for webbased MVMC at reducing unwanted sexual contact for female college students and offer suggestions for improving the program for dissemination with future groups of college women.
Author: Emily Johnson
Language: English
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2979774031