Date rape prevention programs : effects on college students' attitudes

There has been a great deal of research concerning the prevalence of date rape that occurs on college campuses around the country. Researchers also have investigated whether or not prevention programs are effective in lowering the incidence of date rape on campuses. While there have been numerous investigations done on prevention programs, few have implemented follow-up measures, and none have investigated if exposing participants to more than one program is more effective than just participating in one program. The purpose of this study was to determine if a prevention program that implements a three-session program is more effective than one that implements a one-session program. In addition, changes in attitudes were measured at four weeks follow-up, to determine if changes are permanent or not.Nine undergraduate counseling psychology classes consisting of 79 males and 156 females were randomly assigned (according to class) to a three-session, onesession, or control group. Each group completed a series of attitude scales at pre-test, post-test, and at four weeks follow-up.Results indicated that males in the three-session group displayed attitude changes in the desired direction at posttest, but rebound effects occurred according to their follow-up scores. Males in the three-session group had even less desirable scores at follow-up than they did at pretest. Males in the one-session group displayed similar trends, but not as severe as their counterparts. Females did not show similar trends, as their attitudes were already more desirable then the males at pre-test. At any time, females had more desirable overall scores than did males. Students who participated in the one-session program indicated that they would be more willing to help prevent date rape (i.e., by volunteering to present prevention programs) than those in the three-session program. Openended questions that addressed what the students liked about the program were asked, as well as what suggestions they had to improve the program. Overall, students in the onesession program reported more satisfaction than those in the three-session program. Limitations as well as suggestions for further research in this area were discussed. Further investigation is needed to examine what kinds of prevention programs will be most beneficial in changing men's attitudes in the desired direction.Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance ServicesThesis (Ph. D.