Date of Thesis

2015

Description

Campus sexual assault (CSA) is a chronic health crisis. There are many factors that are thought of to be predictors of CSA, such as alcohol consumption, which is the most robust correlate of CSA. Additionally, previous research (e.g., Flack et al., 2007) demonstrates a positive association between CSA and hooking up. Hazing is an activity that often includes alcohol and hooking up. Female peer encouragement of risky behavior is a set of behaviors that women engage in with other women that may place them at higher risk for CSA victimization. Some examples include engaging in hook-up and drinking bets. The purpose of the present study was to test alcohol consumption, rates of hooking up, hazing, and female peer encouragement of risky behavior as statistical predictors of CSA victimization among females. Method. A random sample of 374 female undergraduates from the Bucknell campus responded to a web-based survey containing the short form victim version of the revised Sexual Experiences Survey (RSES; Koss et al., 2007). RSES endorsements were followed by questions about context of the assault, including five different types of hook ups. The survey also contained the AUDIT-C (DeMartini &Carey, 2012), a hazing measure (Allan & Madden, 2012), and a measure of female peer encouragement of risky behavior designed for this study. Results. A regression analysis found that class year, hooking-up frequency and the behavior of female peer encouragement of risky behavior were statistically significant predictors of CSA. Implications. If replicated, these findings should be used for local prevention and education efforts. Education should include that of female peer encouragement of risky behavior and ways in which these behaviors increase potential risk of victimization.

Keywords

Campus sexual assault victimization, Hooking-up frequency, Alcohol use, Hazing, Female peer encouragement of risky behavior, Predictor

Access Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Type

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Psychology

First Advisor

William F. Flack, Jr.

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