Research summaries

NOTE: These summaries were written by SVPEP staff and are based on the original papers. The information available on this web site is provided as a public service and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the Arizona Department of Health Services, or the University of Arizona.

Abbey, A. (1991). Acquaintance rape and alcohol consumption on college campuses: How are they linked? Journal of American College Health, 39, 165-169.

This article explores the link between acquaintance rape and alcohol consumption among college students. Men's expectancies about alcohol, misperceptions of sexual intent, and justifications of sexual violence are reviewed. Women's abilities to send and receive cues and resist sexual assault are discussed. The article also examines stereotypes about women who drink and how women feel an increased sense of responsibility for being raped based on alcohol consumption. Implications for prevention programming and future research are presented.

Topics: Alcohol; college; male-female relations; myths/stereotypes

Abbey, A. (2002). Alcohol-related sexual assault: A common problem among college students. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 14, 118-128.

This article reviews the relationship between alcohol consumption and sexual assault experiences of college students. The authors indicate that the majority of sexual assaults occur when the perpetrator, the victim, or both had consumed alcohol. Indeed, the relationship between alcohol consumption and sexual assault is complex. Sexual assault perpetration has been associated with numerous variables such as personality traits, attitudinal and situational characteristics, and peer group norms concerning sexual behavior. For example, a man’s personality traits and attitudes coupled with alcohol consumption may put him at greater risk for perpetrating a sexual assault. Moreover, men may drink alcohol to excuse subsequent behavior. Alcohol also causes deficits in motor ability that may impact a victim’s ability to physically resist a sexual assault. As such, a perpetrator may attempt to intoxicate the potential victim, fully cognizant that the physiological effect of intoxicating her may prove advantageous in successfully committing the sexual assault. Specific suggestions for future research are included, along with the recommendation that college-level sexual assault prevention programs are not only necessary but also require effective evaluation plans to ensure that the role of alcohol is addressed.

Topics: Alcohol; college; myths/stereotypes

Abbey, A., Buck, P., Zawacki, T., & Saenz, C. (2003). Alcohol’s effects on perceptions of a potential date rape. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 64, 669-677.

The current study investigates the role of alcohol on both male and female participants’ perceptions of a potential rape situation. The participants in this study were 90 men and 90 women recruited from an urban commuter university. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (a) a treatment group administered alcohol, (b) a placebo group administered an alternate beverage, and (c) a control group knowingly administered a nonalcoholic beverage. Participants were then given a story to read that described a scenario that might have resulted in rape. Participants in each group were asked how they felt about the behavior exhibited and to finish the script according to what they thought would happen next in the given scenario. Participants also completed measures related to alcohol expectancies, attitudes about sex, and frequency of alcohol consumption. Results indicate that participants who reported drinking alcohol more frequently tended to have positive attitudes about casual sex and to report that the aggressive behavior of the man in the story was not inappropriate. Furthermore, alcohol consumption and gender differences were not associated with the expectancy that the experimental story would result in forced sex. The results of this study show the need for education about situational characteristics that can potentially lead to sexual assault.

Topics: Alcohol; college; myths/stereotypes

Abbey, A., Clinton, A. M., McAuslan, P., Zawacki, T., & Buck, P. O. (2002). Alcohol-involved rapes: Are they more violent? Psychology of Women Quarterly, 26(2), 99-109.

Recent research suggests that alcohol consumption increases sexual behavior and aggressiveness in men. The current study aims to further investigate the role of alcohol in sexual assault. The authors hypothesized a curvilinear relationship between: (a) the amount of alcohol consumed and the aggressive behavior of sexual perpetrators and (b) the amount of alcohol consumed by the victim and the level of resistance. The participants in this study were 132 college women (mean age of 23 years) who had experienced either a completed or attempted rape. Results showed that aggressive behaviors exhibited by perpetrators were elevated when the perpetrators were sober or when high levels of alcohol had been consumed. The more alcohol consumed by the victims, the lower their level of resistance. Findings also suggest that the victims of completed rapes consume higher amounts of alcohol than victims of attempted rape. Results indicate the need to educate college students about the possible effects of alcohol; namely, how alcohol can negatively influence sexual and aggressive behavior. For example, men need to be better educated about the role that alcohol can play in diminishing a woman’s ability to give consent and the probable ramifications thereof in terms of the legal definition of rape. Limitations of this study include potential inaccuracies in the measurement of alcohol consumption and impairment levels.

Topics: Alcohol; avoidance/resistance; college

Abbey, A., Clinton-Sherrod, M., McAuslan, P., & Buck, O. (2003). The relation between the quantity of alcohol consumed and the severity of sexual assaults committed by college men. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 18, 813-833.

While previous research has been conducted on the relationship between alcohol consumption and sexual assault, such studies often examine merely the presence or absence of alcohol consumption thereby overlooking the actual quantity of alcohol consumed. As such, this study investigates the relationship between the quantity of alcohol consumed and the levels of violence exhibited by perpetrators. Participants were 113 male college students who, as part of a larger research project, had admitted to a previous sexual assault and had provided information on their own quantity of alcohol consumption as well as that of their victims. It was hypothesized that, as alcohol consumption increased, the amount of aggression exhibited would also be elevated. Furthermore, as alcohol consumption reached more extreme levels, the level of aggression would decrease due to the effects of alcohol on motor and cognitive abilities. A curvilinear relationship was also predicted for the victims’ alcohol consumption and levels of resistance. However, results revealed a linear relationship between the quantity of alcohol consumed by perpetrators and levels of aggression during the reported sexual assaults. Additionally, a linear relationship was found between victims’ extent of alcohol consumption and type of assault committed by the participants. Finally, a curvilinear relationship between alcohol consumption and aggression was only established for perpetrators’ alcohol consumption and severity of sexual assault committed.

Topics: Alcohol; perpetration; risk

Abbey, A., & Harnish, R. (1995). Perception of sexual intent: The role of gender, alcohol consumption, and rape supportive attitudes. Sex Roles, 32, 297-313.

This study examined the effects of participant's gender, rape supportive attitudes, and target's alcohol consumption on participant's perceptions of target's sexual intent. Men were found to perceive female targets’ behavior as more sexual than the women perceived them to be. This was especially true of men high in rape myth acceptance. Male and female targets' alcohol consumption interacted, such that when both individuals were drinking alcohol they were perceived as being most sexual and their drinking was viewed as most appropriate. The rape myth acceptance and alcohol findings are discussed in terms of their implications for sexual assault and substance abuse prevention programming.

Topics: Alcohol; college; myths/stereotypes

Abbey, A., McAuslan, P., Ross, L., & Zawacki, T. (1999). Alcohol expectancies regarding sex, aggression, and sexual vulnerability: Reliability and validity assessment. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 13, 174-182.

This article reviews the findings of a study on 715 college students who completed the Alcohol Expectancies Regarding Sex, Aggression, and Sexual Vulnerability Questionnaire. The instrument contains questions on alcohol expectancies in four areas (aggression, sexual affect, sexual drive, and vulnerability to sexual coercion) for three groups (self, women, and men). Statistical analysis supported the hypothesis that participants' alcohol expectancies for other people corresponded with their gender role stereotypes. Participants also believed that they were less influenced by alcohol than other people were. The authors discuss the implications of their research for sexual assault prevention programs.

Topics: Alcohol; college; risk; vulnerability

Abbey, A., McAuslan, P., Zawacki, T., Clinton, A. M., & Buck, P. (2001). Attitudinal, experiential, and situational predictors of sexual assault perpetration. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 16, 784-807.

This study examines individual differences and situational factors involved in sexual assault by comparing descriptions of worst dates to descriptions of sexual assaults. Males (N = 343) were recruited at a large, urban university and asked to complete a questionnaire. Several self-report measures were included to assess: social desirability, gender role attitudes, alcohol-related attitudes, consensual sexual experiences history, previous experiences with misperception, peer support for nonconsensual sex, perpetration of sexual assault, characteristics of the sexual assault or worst date with a woman (i.e., the latter, if no sexual assault was reported), and characteristics of the sexual assault (including attributions of responsibility and outcomes). Results indicated that 33% of the sample had committed some type of sexual assault, of which 8% met the legal requirements to constitute an act of attempted or completed rape. Discriminant function analysis revealed that several variables differentiated perpetrators from nonperpetrators. These were: attitudes about gender roles and alcohol (i.e., hostile gender role beliefs, alcohol and sexual expectancies, approval for use of verbal pressure), past consensual sexual experience (i.e., number of previous partners), and characteristics of the situation (i.e., degree of familiarity, degree of isolation, role of alcohol during the interaction, duration of misperception, and prior consensual activity between the man and the woman involved). Additional analyses demonstrated that forced contacts, sexual coercions, and rapes could be differentiated along the following predictors: tactics used by perpetrators (i.e., verbal pressure, physical force, or alcohol/drugs), self-attributions related to the assault (i.e., regarding their behavior, alcohol consumption, and role of peer pressure), and outcomes (i.e., perception of seriousness and effect on the relationship between the man and the woman). The results of this study underscore the need to examine individual as well as situational variables that may differentiate between types of perpetrators and types of sexual assaults. In turn, such knowledge would enhance prevention activities.

Topics: Alcohol; college; male-female relations; perpetration

Abbey, A., Zawacki, T., & Buck, P. (2001). Alcohol and sexual assault. Alcohol Research & Health, 25, 43-51.

This article provides an overview of some of the key issues involved in the multifaceted relationship between alcohol and sexual assault. The authors begin by citing prevalence estimates of sexual assault and alcohol-involved sexual assault. This is followed by a comparison of characteristics that are common to nonalcohol-involved and/or alcohol-involved sexual assaults. Issues involved in studying the relationship between alcohol and sexual assault are also addressed. For example, the two most common approaches to examining the role of alcohol in sexual assault involve either surveys of victims and perpetrators or studies within a laboratory setting. Additional issues examined in this article include the distal and proximal factors in the pathways between alcohol consumption and sexual assault as well as the roles that personality, attitudes, and experiences of perpetrators and victims may play. The significance of situational factors are also reviewed. The authors discuss male-female interactions within different settings, the impact alcohol consumption may have in various settings, and the importance of male-female communication, cues, and the (mis)perceptions thereof. As such, previous research on alcohol and aggressive and sexual behavior are also reviewed. Lastly, important questions for future research on the dynamics of alcohol and sexual assault are presented.

Topics: Alcohol; male-female relations; prevalence; risk

Abbey, A., Zawacki, T., Buck, P., & Clinton, P. (2003). Sexual assault and alcohol consumption: What do we know about their relationship and what types of research are still needed? Aggression and Violent Behavior, 277, 1-33.

This article provides a brief overview of the various issues previously studied in the area of sexual assault. Research shows that, in approximately half of all sexual assaults committed, the perpetrator had been drinking alcohol. Furthermore, approximately half of all sexual assault victims report having been drinking alcohol at the time the sexual assault occurred. This study highlights statistics specific to alcohol-involved sexual assaults and attempts to better understand the role alcohol plays in sexual assaults. In addition, the personality characteristics, attitudes, and experiences of both the perpetrator and victim are discussed. Analysis suggests that there are many different motivating factors across personality characteristics, attitudes, and experiences that are attributed to the perpetration of sexual assault. Furthermore, while victim personality traits are not associated with sexual assault victimization, victim experiences such as childhood sexual abuse, early and frequent sexual activity, and heavy alcohol consumption were found to be associated with sexual assault victimization. Most of the data on sexual assault perpetrators come from imprisoned rapist and college students; this only provides a limited knowledge of the full spectrum of perpetrator profiles. Other limitations include an inability to obtain accurate knowledge of perpetrators’ level of intoxication at the time the sexual assault was committed.

Topics: Alcohol; perpetration; vulnerability

Benson, D., Charlton, C., & Goodhart, F. (1992). Acquaintance rape on campus: A literature review. College Health, 40, 157-165.

This article provides an overview of several central aspects relevant to acquaintance or date rape on American college campuses. It addresses the definition of acquaintance rape, early research on the topic, the cultural context of rape, legal issues concerning acquaintance rape as a crime and as a campus disciplinary matter, adolescent attitudes and sexual socialization, the relationship between alcohol and sexual assault, characteristics of assailants, vulnerability factors among women, survivor responses, and institutional responses of colleges. The authors conclude by proposing several strategies that colleges can follow to increase awareness and prevention of acquaintance rape on campuses.

Topics: Alcohol; college; prevention; survivors; vulnerability

Berkowitz, A. D. (2003). Applications of social norms theory to other health and social justice issues. In H. W. Perkins (Ed.), The social norms approach to preventing school and college age substance abuse: A handbook for educators, counselors, and clinicians (chap. 16). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass

. This chapter reviews theoretical assumptions of a social norms approach, assesses the relevance of the theory to health and social justice issues, and provides examples of social norms interventions for sexual assault prevention for men, second-hand effects of binge drinking, and anti-bias programming, as well as eating problems among women. The author operationalizes social norms theory as situations in which individuals incorrectly perceive the attitudes and/or behaviors of peers and other community members to be different from their own. The author posits that social norms theory can be used for interventions that correct these misperceptions by revealing the actual, healthier norms. Using social norms approach will have a beneficial effect on most individuals, who will either reduce their participation in potentially problematic behavior or be encouraged to engage in protective, healthy behaviors that are congruent with actual norms instead of misperceived norms.

Topics: Alcohol; male-female relations; prevention

Borsari, B., & Carey, K. (1999). Understanding fraternity drinking: Five recurring themes in the literature, 1980-1998. College Health, 48, 30-37.

This article reviews the literature concerning fraternities and alcohol use on American campuses from 1980 to 1998 by focusing on issues related to: (a) precollege drinking patterns, (b) the self-selection process of heavy drinkers into particular fraternities that endorse alcohol abuse, (c) the role of alcohol in fraternity socialization, (d) individuals’ misperception of their peers’ drinking norms, and (e) the physical environment of fraternity houses that enable and encourage alcohol abuse by providing easy access to alcohol and peer support in the absence of adult supervision. The authors emphasize that understanding the pervasive role of alcohol within fraternity social structures is fundamental to addressing alcohol abuse on college campuses. They also suggest that the effect of peer pressure among students may be a powerful tool for intervention. It can be used to disseminate and endorse normative behavior to counteract predominant misperceptions concerning alcohol use on campuses.

Topics: Alcohol; athletes/fraternities; prevention

Brecklin, L., & Ullman, S. (2002). The roles of victim and offender alcohol use in sexual assaults: Results from the National Violence against Women Survey. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 63, 57-63.

This study drew upon information collected from the National Violence Against Women Survey (NVAWS) where 8,000 women were interviewed via telephone and screened for sexual assault experiences. Variables addressed included: the role of alcohol use by offender and/or victim, assault outcomes (i.e., rape completion, physical injury, and medical care), victim demographics (e.g., age, marital status and drinking in the past year), and assault characteristics (e.g., offender’s substance use and victim-offender relationship). Analyses focused on 859 incidents of sexual assault, given specific study criteria. As such, logistic regression analyses revealed that offender behavior predicted rape completion as well as victim injury and medical care outcomes. Specifically, the probability of a completed rape was twice as high when the offender had been drinking and the probability of victim injury was greatly affected by offender aggression. The authors conclude by outlining some of the limitations of their study and emphasize that rape prevention programs should focus on the problems of alcohol-related expectancies as well as situational factors inherent in sexual assault outcomes when alcohol was involved.

Topics: Alcohol; injury; medical response

Buddie, A., & Testa, M. (2005). Rates and predictors of sexual aggression among students and nonstudents. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 20, 713-724.

This study focused on determining to what extent the college environment and college living arrangements of female students may impact their risk of experiencing sexual victimization. Measures addressed living arrangements, sexual aggression, predictors of sexual aggression (i.e., alcohol consumption, drug use, and number of sexual partners in the last year), and demographic information (e.g., household income and education level). Contrary to the expectation that college students are at higher risk of sexual aggression, analyses showed that women living away from their parents were more at risk, whether student or nonstudent. Additionally, alcohol consumption and multiple sex partners during the last year were significantly associated with rape and/or attempted rape during the past year. The authors highlight the need for prevention programs to recognize that college has been overly emphasized as a risky environment and that, instead, research should focus on the risky behaviors of students and nonstudents alike.

Topics: Alcohol; college; risk

Cameron, C., & Stritzke, W. (2003). Alcohol and acquaintance rape in Australia. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 33, 983-1008.

The presupposition model of attributions argues that elements central to the process of responsibility and blame include intention, choice, and accountability. The involvement of liability within the process, however, is relegated only to blame. As such, the authors of this study were interested in assessing the influence alcohol has on mediating levels of perceived liability of victims and perpetrators. Participants included college students (N = 260) from five campuses in western Australia and were randomly assigned across four conditions. Each participant was given several measures, of which one included one of four versions of an acquaintance-rape scenario along with a matching questionnaire. In contrast to the presupposition model of attributions, results suggest that liability may be involved in attributions of responsibility as well as in attributions of blame. As such, the hierarchical premise of the model was not supported. Furthermore, significant differences across gender demonstrate varying attributional principles are involved in the assignment of responsibility. Additional models and explanations concerning attributions toward victims and perpetrators are discussed.

Topics: Alcohol; myths/stereotypes; theory

Clay-Warner, J. (2003). The context of sexual violence: Situational predictors of self-protective actions. Violence and Victims, 18, 543-556.

Past research has focused on the effectiveness of different self-defense strategies in rape avoidance. The current research focused on the situational factors of attempted or completed rape scenarios and the type of defense strategies used. The participants included 453 women who were victims of attempted or completed rape where in all cases the perpetrator was a male. The participants were asked to complete a survey revealing the specific elements of the attempted or completed rape. They were asked where the assault happened, when it happened, whether or not alcohol/drugs and/or weapons were involved, to what extent they knew their perpetrator (if at all), and if any bystanders were present at the time of the assault. The women were asked to disclose what type of resistance measures were exerted; (a) none, (b) verbal, and (c) physical. Results indicate that women were more likely to respond using verbal rape avoidance strategies than physical rape avoidance strategies in those assaults that happened at night, involved a weapon, and were perpetrated by the victims’ previous or current partner. Victims were more likely to exert physical resistance if they believed the perpetrators had used alcohol or drugs. The participants were more likely to offer no resistance than physical resistance when a previous or current intimate committed the assault. As such, the significance of situational elements of sexual assault needs to be incorporated into understanding women's use of self-protective behaviors.

Topics: Alcohol; avoidance/resistance; injury

Corbin, W., Bernat, J., Calhoun, K., McNair, L., & Seals, K. (2001). The role of alcohol expectancies and alcohol consumption among sexually victimized and nonvictimized college women. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 16, 297-311.

Research has revealed that college women are three times more likely than other groups of similar aged women to be victims of sexual assault. Much research has been done on the factors contributing to sexual assault perpetration and victimization. This study examines the role of alcohol expectancies, alcohol consumption, sexual assertiveness, and the number of consensual sexual partners in sexual assault victimization. The participants in this study were 238 female undergraduate students who were divided into three groups according to their personal experiences with sexual assault victimization: nonvictimized, moderately victimized, and severely victimized. Results showed that severely victimized women had more consensual sexual partners, less assertive behavior toward unwanted sexual advances, greater alcohol consumption, and more positive alcohol expectancies than those women in the nonvictimization group. Results also revealed that women who consume alcohol and have high positive expectancies as a result of alcohol consumption may face an elevated risk for sexual assault victimization. As such, this study identifies an important link between alcohol consumption and sexual assault victimization. Additional research should incorporate the role of risk perception in order to fully understand the link between alcohol expectancies and sexual behavior.

Topics: Alcohol; college; risk

Davis, J., Combs-Lane, A., & Jackson, T. (2002). Risky behaviors associated with interpersonal victimization: Comparisons based on type, number, and characteristics of assault incidents. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 17, 611-629.

Previous research has indicated that a history of sexual victimization increases the probability of risky behaviors, particularly in the areas of substance use and sexual risk taking. The focus of this study is the degree to which particular characteristics of such victimization (e.g., type of association with the perpetrator, number of perpetrators, type of assault, and number of occurrences) affect substance use and sexual students were participating in a sexual assault education and prevention program, the results of this study are based only on the pre-intervention baseline scores and do not include the reassessment questionnaires that followed the prevention program. As such, analyses revealed that women who had experienced multiple sexual assaults scored highest on the RBSS and demonstrated more alcohol consumption than the single-assault group. In turn, the latter reported more risk-taking behaviors than the nonvictimized group. The same comparative trend was evident for the variable concerning physical assault. The combination of both sexual and physical types of assault were related to the presence of more risky behaviors and greater alcohol consumption. Analyses of type and number of assaults showed that younger age, the type of sexual assault (whether single, including physical assault, or multiple incidences), the experience of sexual assault during childhood and adulthood, and assault by an acquaintance were also most likely to be linked with risk-taking behaviors. Interpersonal victimization across the lifespan (i.e., regardless of the developmental period in which it occurs) has long-term, adverse effects on the psychological and physical health of its victims. This study highlights the role that sexual and physical assault play in leading to increased risk-taking behaviors among victims and concludes by discussing some of the possible reasons for why this association occurs.

Topics: Alcohol; college; effects

Davis, K. C., Norris, J., George, W. H., Martell, J., & Heiman, J. R. (2006). Men’s likelihood of sexual aggression: The influence of alcohol, sexual arousal, and violent pornography. Aggressive Behavior, 32, 581-589. [Posted April 2007.]

Key Points: Men’s sexual arousal to a hypothetical rape story predicted their self-reported likelihood of acting like the aggressor in the scenario.

Abstract: A total of 84 male social drinkers between 21-45 years old were randomly assigned to a group that received alcohol or a group that did not. Both groups were then asked to read one of two rape scenarios which differed by whether the victim experienced pleasure during the rape. Three factors related to sexual response were measured: alcohol intoxication; belief that intoxicated women were vulnerable to sexual coercion; and a victim’s positive sexual response to rape.

The single factor that predicted reporting likelihood of sexual aggression was a high level of sexual arousal. Intoxication and belief in drinking women’s vulnerability were not directly linked to increased aggression, although they were related to arousal. Both sober and intoxicated men reported greater arousal when the victim’s response in the scenario was positive. If any of the factors were present without increased arousal, they were not related to increased aggression.

Limits of the study included testing only two levels of intoxication (sober or drunk), self-report of arousal without physiological measures, and lack of measurement of men’s actual aggressive behavior. The study did not look at how likely men were to report the probability of aggressive sexual behavior if they were not exposed to violent pornography.

Topics: Alcohol; myths/stereotypes; perpetration

Donat, P., & Bondurant, B. (2003). The role of sexual victimization in women's perceptions of others' sexual interest. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 18, 50-64.

The purpose of this study was to further understand the relationship between women’s sexual victimization experiences and their perceptions of sexual interest. In this experiment, 329 undergraduate women rated mundane dating behaviors, romantic behaviors, and sexual behaviors exhibited by both male and female actors according to their perceptions of the actor’s sexual interest. The women were divided into four groups according to their personal sexual experiences. In general, the women rated the male actor as portraying more sexual interest than the female when the actors exhibited the same type of behavior. Also, the group of women who had been sexually victimized through the use of force or threat of force rated the male actor’s behavior as portraying more sexual interest than the ratings of the group of women who had not been sexually victimized.

Topics: Alcohol; college; effects

Douglas, K., Collins, J., Warren, C., Kann, L., Gold, R., Clayton, S, Ross, J., & Kolbe, L. (1997). Results from the 1995 National College Health Risk Behavior Survey. College Health, 46, 55-66.

The National College Health Risk Behavior Survey used a nationally representative sample of undergraduate college students aged 18 years or older to answer a questionnaire on their health risk behaviors. The results of this study indicate that college students engage in behaviors that put them at greater risk for adverse health consequences. Tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behaviors, dietary behaviors and physical activity were the focus of this study. Certain behaviors are more notable because of the large numbers of students affected by them. Subgroups were examined to assess risk behaviors among them.

Topics: Alcohol; college; risk

Frintner, M., & Rubinson, L. (1993). Acquaintance rape: The influence of alcohol, fraternity membership, and sports team membership. Journal of Sex Education & Therapy, 19, 272-284.

This study determined the extent of sexual victimization among undergraduate women at a large Midwestern university, with specific attention paid to alcohol use, fraternity membership, and sports team membership. The Sexually Stressful Events Survey was utilized with modifications clarifying the level of intoxication, and whether or not the accused was a member of a sports team or fraternity. Previous research documenting the high rate of occurrence of sexual assault and other sexually stressful events on college campuses was affirmed. In addition, it was found that alcohol was involved in the majority of the reported sexually stressful events, suggesting an association between alcohol and sexual violence. Both fraternity and sports team members were over-represented among the crimes of sexual assault, attempted sexual assault and battery, illegal restraint, and intimidation. Fraternity men represented approximately 25% of men on the campus, and were reported as 47.6% of the men involved in sexual assault or attempted sexual assault. Sports team members make up less than 2% of the campus population and were found to comprise 20.2% of the men involved in sexual assault or attempted sexual assault.

Topics: Alcohol; athletes/fraternities; prevalence

Graham, K., Leonard, K., Room, R., Wild, T., Pihl, R., Bois, C., & Single, E. (1998). Current directions in research on understanding and preventing intoxicated aggression. Addiction, 93, 659-676.

This paper provides an overview of some of the most salient areas of research concerning the complexities of the relationship between alcohol and aggression. It begins by outlining the range of research on intoxicated aggression and proceeds by addressing societal/cultural attitudes, expectations, and norms. Personal factors involved in intoxicated aggression are also discussed; for example, individual differences in aggressive predisposition and normative expectations. The authors then review research on the pharmacological effects of alcohol and drinking contexts. They ultimately propose intoxicated aggression as the interaction of pharmacological effects of alcohol consumption, individual differences, and contextual factors. The paper concludes by suggesting research possibilities for intervention strategies to prevent intoxicated aggression and violence.

Topics: Alcohol; risk; prevention

Hughes, T., Johnson, T., & Wilsnack, S. (2001). Sexual assault and alcohol abuse: A comparison of lesbians and heterosexual women. Journal of Substance Abuse, 13, 515-532.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between sexual assault and alcohol abuse among lesbian and heterosexual women. A sample of 63 lesbian and 57 heterosexual women (N = 120), 18 years and older, were recruited throughout a large urban area by means of advertisements in local newspapers and flyers. Several survey and interview questionnaires were included to assess childhood sexual abuse, adult sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and sexual orientation. Results indicated that lesbians reported more childhood sexual experiences and childhood sexual abuse. Furthermore, for both lesbian and heterosexual women, there was a significant relationship between childhood sexual abuse and lifetime alcohol abuse. Adult sexual assault, on the other hand, was associated with alcohol abuse only within the group of heterosexual women. Although adult sexual assault rates between both lesbian and heterosexual women were similar, the two groups reported differences concerning the type of perpetrator involved, whereby lesbians were more likely to have experienced sexual assault by a family member while heterosexual women were more likely to have been sexually assaulted by a date or a current partner. These results support prior research associating childhood sexual abuse with alcohol abuse. Due to the lack of random selection and the relatively small sample size, additional research regarding childhood sexual abuse and its impact on relationship dynamics is recommended, as well as additional research examining the relationship between sexual assault and alcohol abuse among lesbians.

Topics: Alcohol; effects; lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender

Kalof, L. (2000). Ethnic differences in female sexual victimization. Sexuality and Culture: An Interdisciplinary Quarterly, 4, 75-97.

This study analyzed 383 undergraduate women’s responses to a survey inquiring about their personal sexual victimization experiences. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between alcohol, ethnicity, childhood incest, and childhood sexual abuse from a non-family member on a woman’s sexual victimization experiences while in college. The women’s college sexual victimization experiences were then separated into four groups according to their most invasive experience; (a) sexual contact, (b) sexual coercion, (c) attempted rape, and (d) rape. The results from this study showed main effects for alcohol, ethnicity, childhood incest, and childhood sexual abuse from a non-family member. There were also significant differences between White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian women on two of the levels of victimization.

Topics: Alcohol; college; racial/ethnic differences

Kang, S. T., Magura, S., Laudet, A., & Whitney, S. (1999). Adverse effect of child abuse victimization among substance-using women in treatment. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 14, 657-670.

This study examined the adverse effect of childhood sexual/physical abuse among 171 substance-abusing women with infants or young children who were admitted to the Family Rehabilitation Program in New York City. Approximately one-half of the women (51%) self-reported ever having been sexually (24%) or physically (45%) abused in their childhood. Having a history of childhood abuse experiences, particularly sexual abuse, was associated with various areas of adult life functioning. Approximately 13 months after program admission, 82% of the sample was recontacted for follow-up. No significant associations were found between childhood abuse experiences and length of retention in services. However, several significant differences in service outcomes between sexually or physically abused women and nonabused women were found. The abused women had significantly more problems relating to drug use and psychiatric/psychological adjustment at follow-up. The findings support a need for substance dependency treatment programs tailored for women who have experienced serious childhood abuse.

Topics: Alcohol; effects; risk; underserved populations

Kaysen, D., Neighbors, C., Martell, J., Fossos, N. & Larimer, M. (2006). Incapacitated rape and alcohol abuse. Addictive Behaviors, 31, 1820-1832. [Posted December 2006.]

Key Points: High rates of alcohol consumption both predicted and followed sexual assault among a sample of college students.

Abstract: Male and female students at three colleges completed questionnaires about alcohol use at three time points over three years. Incapacitated rape was assessed with the question, “have you ever been pressured or forced to have sex with someone because you were too drunk to prevent it?” More women than men reported ever having experienced incapacitated sexual assault (10.0% vs. 5.7%).

Students who drank the most and had the most self-reported alcohol-related problems were more likely to experience incapacitated sexual assault. The relationship was cyclical: after sexual assault, students drank more and had more alcohol-related problems. Women who had never experienced incapacitated rape and who were not raped during the study period drank less than other students.

Results from the study indicated that programs to discourage high-risk drinking among college students may help reduce incidence of sexual assault. The researchers suggested that early intervention following sexual assault may help prevent later increases in alcohol use and alcohol-related problems.

Topics: Alcohol; college

Kilpatrick, D., Acierno, R., Resnick, H., Saunders, B., & Best, C. (1997). A 2-year longitudinal analysis of the relationships between violent assault and substance use in women. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 65, 834-847.

Women experience high levels of physical and sexual assault, the results of which have been theorized to lead to increases in substance use. Evidence from cross-sectional studies also points out that substance use may increase risk of assault. To date, the relationship between sexual assault and substance abuse remains unclear. This study reports the results of a three-wave longitudinal study in which a national sample of 3,006 women were followed for 2 years. Data was collected at each wave of the study and included questions about lifetime and new assault status, alcohol abuse, and drug use.

Topics: Alcohol; effects; vulnerability

Kilpatrick, D., Acierno, R., Saunders, B., Resnick, H., Best, C., & Schnurr, P. (2000). Risk factors for adolescent substance abuse and dependence: Data from a national sample. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68, 19-30.

This paper reports the results from the National Survey of Adolescents (NSA). The survey (funded by the National Institute of Justice) used a probability sample of 4,023 adolescents aged 12–17 years who were contacted by telephone about their victimization experiences, their substance use, and their families' substance use. Specifically, the data collected included the following variables: age, gender, race, nonexperimental alcohol use, nonexperimental marijuana and hard drug use, age of onset for nonexperimental substance use, sexual and/or physical assault, witnessed violence, familial alcohol problems, familial drug use, and substance abuse/dependence and PTSD (as determined by DSM-IV criteria). Results revealed that more than 10% of the 17-year-old participants demonstrated substance abuse/dependence at the time of the study. Of this group, 7% revealed marijuana abuse/dependence and 2% revealed hard drug abuse/dependence. The total sample of adolescents in the study demonstrated a prevalence of 4% for alcohol and marijuana abuse/dependence. Furthermore, witnessed violence increased the risk of substance use within the previous year. Although PTSD status was not associated with alcohol abuse/dependence, it did represent an increased risk for the use of marijuana and hard drug abuse/dependence. Furthermore, compared to Caucasians – and when controlled across variables measuring victimization, PTSD status, and familial substance abuse – African Americans were found to be at 1/3 the risk for substance abuse/dependence. Native Americans and Hispanics were similar to Caucasians on race-based risk for substance abuse/dependence. The study concludes by noting the potential impact of victimization experiences in increasing the risk of substance abuse/dependence among adolescents.

Topics: Adolescent/high school; alcohol; racial/ethnic differences

Koss, M., & Gaines, J. (1993). The prediction of sexual aggression by alcohol use, athletic participation, and fraternity affiliation. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 8, 94-108.

Topics: Adolescent/high school; alcohol; racial/ethnic differences

Lisak, D., & Miller, P. M. (2002). Repeat rape and multiple offending among undetected rapists. Violence and Victims, 17, 73-84.

This study collected data on self-reported acts of interpersonal violence, attempted rape, or completed rape committed by 1,882 college men. Results revealed that 120 of the men questioned were never prosecuted for their reported acts of rape or attempted rape, and 76 men who reportedly committed acts of rape or attempted rape were repeat offenders with a group average of six rapes per offender. Of these 120 men, 70 men admitted to additional acts of interpersonal violence including battery, physical and/or sexual abuse of children, and sexual assault. This study also analyzed the use of force in acts of rape opposed to rapes committed while the victim was incapacitated due to alcohol consumption. The findings were not significant for the number of rapes committed or the total number of violent acts committed.

Topics: Alcohol; perpetration; statistics

Ménard, K., Hall, G., Phung, A., Ghebrial, M., & Martin, L. (2003). Gender differences in sexual harassment and coercion in college students: Developmental, individual, and situational determinants. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 18, 1222-1239.

The focus of this study was to learn more about possible gender differences in sexual coercion and harassment behaviors by examining predictors of these behaviors. The researchers hypothesized that developmental, individual, and situational determinants will have additive effects on sexually harassing and coercive behaviors. Additionally, individual differences will mediate the relationship between developmental factors (i.e., child and adult sexual victimization) and sexual harassment and coercion. Lastly, alcohol expectancies are expected to affect sexual aggression. College students were recruited for this study, with 148 males and 278 female students participating. They were assigned to groups varying in size and were instructed to complete questionnaires pertaining to their sexual attitudes and experiences. These questionnaires included measures concerning child and adult sexual abuse, personality traits, and alcohol expectancies as well as nonsexually aggressive, sexually harassing, and coercive behaviors. As was predicted, men scored higher on both the sexual harassment and sexual coercion scales while women had significantly higher scores on the adult victimization scales. Furthermore, a significant correlation between sexual harassment and child sexual abuse was found for the men, in contrast to the women. There were no significant gender differences on the child sex abuse or the alcohol expectancies scales. In conclusion, findings support the first hypothesis that developmental factors, individual traits, and alcohol expectancies predicted men’s and women’s sexually harassing and coercive behavior. Nonetheless, analyses pertaining to the mediating role of individual differences yielded mixed results. Suggestions for future research are presented.

Topics: Alcohol; college; harassment; male-female relations

Muehlenhard, C., & Linton, M. (1987). Date rape and sexual aggression in dating situations: Incidence and risk factors. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 34, 186-196.

This study assessed the incidence of, and risk factor, for date rape and other forms of male-against-female sexual aggression in dating situations. Results showed that 77.6% of the women and 57.3% of the men had been involved in some form of sexual aggression. Risk factors included the man initiating the date, paying all the expenses, and driving; miscommunication about sex; heavy alcohol or drug use; "parking”; men's acceptance of traditional sex roles, interpersonal violence, adversarial attitudes about relationships, and rape myths. The length of time that dating partners had known each other seemed unrelated to the risk of sexual assault. The authors discuss implications of their findings for rape prevention programs.

Topics: Alcohol; male-female relations; myths/stereotypes; perpetration; prevalence; risk

Norris, J., Davis, K., George, W., Martell, J., & Heiman, J. (2002). Alcohol's direct and indirect effects on men's self-reported sexual aggression likelihood. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 63, 688-695.

The purpose of this study involved an investigation of the effect of pre-existing alcohol expectancies on the self-reported likelihood of sexual aggression in males. Participants included 135 male social drinkers, recruited from a large western city, and randomly assigned among three groups: alcohol, placebo, or control. All participants were requested to supply demographic information and to complete a sex-related Alcohol Expectancies Questionnaire. After the manipulation, all participants were exposed to a violent pornographic stimulus story. Following this, participants completed items requiring them to assess their level of sexual arousal and likelihood to engage in sexually aggressive behaviors. Analyses revealed direct and indirect effects of sex-related alcohol expectancies as well as direct effects of expected and actual alcohol consumption on the self-reported likelihood of sexual aggression. Suggestions for future research on the implications of this topic are presented.

Topics: Alcohol; male-female relations

Norris, J., Nurius, P., & Graham, T. (1999). When a date changes from fun to dangerous: Factors affecting women's ability to distinguish. Violence Against Women, 5, 230-250.

The likelihood of acquaintance rape depends in part on women's abilities to perceive risks. In this study, the authors assessed relationships between women's recognition of known situational risk factors and global perceived risk; prior victimization; and drinking habits. Women consistently distinguished between clear and ambiguous situational risk factors. However, these were not related to perceived global risk. They also underestimated their own risk of being assaulted relative to the risk of other women being assaulted. Both prior victimization and drinking habits were related to risk judgments. This study raises issues concerning the development of effective defensive strategies for combating sexual assault.

Topics: Alcohol; avoidance/resistance; risk

O'Donohue, W., Yeater, E. A., & Fanetti, M. (2003). Rape prevention with college males: The roles of rape myth acceptance, victim empathy, and outcome expectancies. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 18, 513-531.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of individual differences in influencing the effects of rape prevention programs targeting men. One objective was to examine the association between the effects of anti-rape videotape content and men's sexual coercive histories. A second objective was to investigate the effects of the anti-rape videotape on men's sex-related alcohol expectancies. The sample consisted of 45 male undergraduate students. Twenty-two participants were categorized as sexually coercive and 23 participants were sexually noncoercive based on responses to a modified version of the Sexual Experiences Survey. Participants were randomly assigned to either the anti-rape videotape or control videotape condition. Effects of the anti-rape videotape on rape-myth acceptance and sex-related alcohol expectancies were influenced by men's coerciveness. Implications of the findings for rape prevention programs are presented.

Topics: Alcohol; college; evaluation; prevention

Parks, K. A., & Miller, B. A. (1997). Bar victimization of women. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21, 509-525.

This study provides a preliminary description of the types of violence experienced by women bar drinkers and the roles of exposure and impairment as risk factors for encountering bar-related aggression – an area of research that has been hitherto neglected. Data were collected from 52 women bar drinkers (mean age 31.9 years) through self-administered questionnaires and focus-group discussions about their lifestyles, alcohol and drug use, and patterns of bar drinking. Nearly half of the women (48.1%) had experienced physical violence (e.g., assault) and one-third (32.6%) had experienced either attempted or completed rape associated with drinking in a bar. The authors conclude that women who regularly drink in bars experience a substantial amount of physical and sexual aggression associated with these settings.

Topics: Alcohol; risk; vulnerability

Pope, E., & Shouldice, M. (2001). Drugs and sexual assault: A review. Trauma Violence & Abuse, 2, 51-55.

National data reveals that in 75% of rape cases, the perpetrator is known to the victim. A growing number of rapes are associated with the use of drugs for its rapid action in inducing sedation and its ability to go undetected. A review of drugs currently used as date rape drugs is provided; namely rohypnol, GHB, ketamine, and ecstasy. Due to its short half-life, detection during examination is very difficult. A review of methods of screening for these drugs is also provided.

Topics: Alcohol; vulnerability

Ruback, R. B., Ménard, K. S., Outlaw, M. C., & Shaffer, J. N. (1999). Normative advice to campus crime victims: Effects of gender, age, and alcohol. Violence and Victims, 14, 381-396.

This article addresses three studies that were designed to examine the impact of normative advice on reporting criminal behavior to the police as a function of crime characteristics, victim characteristics, and subject factors. The first study involved a between-subjects design wherein participants responded to a questionnaire concerning alcohol consumption, type of crime, gender of victim, and gender and age of subject. The second study used the same questionnaire as the first but described the victim as being either 18 or 21 years old. The third study examined whether the results concerning normative advice in the first two studies would be replicated when participants were asked about alternative options to calling the police, given the criminal situations addressed in the original questionnaire. Results from the three studies reveal that severity of the crime, gender of victim, and age of victim form the basis of most individuals' decisions to notify the police. In addition, the authors made the following conclusions: (a) notifying the police was considered most appropriate when the victim was a female or an older person and when the crime was more serious; (b) the relationship between the victim and the offender affects the type of advice victims will receive from others; (c) reporting was considered inappropriate when the victim was underage and had been drinking prior to the crime; (d) females viewed notifying the police more favorably than did males; (e) most subjects consider it more appropriate for females to report a crime than for males; and (f) younger subjects were less likely to advise reporting a crime than were older subjects. The article concludes by suggesting that the perceived stigma associated with reporting a crime involving underage alcohol consumption by the victim may be a significant factor contributing to the underreporting of serious crimes on college campuses.

Topics: Alcohol; community attitudes/responses, disclosure

Schwartz, M. D., & Leggett, M. S. (1999). Bad dates or emotional trauma? The aftermath of campus sexual assault. Violence Against Women, 5, 251-271.

Critics of campus rape research have suggested that researchers exaggerate their figures by confounding rape with bad dates. While researchers have compared stranger to acquaintance rapes, they have not compared women raped while too drunk to resist to those raped by force. This study of 65 rape victims (in a sample of 388 college seniors) found no evidence for critics' claims. Women raped while intoxicated are not less emotionally affected and do not blame themselves more. Most women did not classify their experiences as rape, although under criminal law they were all victims. The authors assert that this lack of recognition is what causes hidden victims (i.e., those who do not report rapes or seek help for their victimization experience).

Topics: Alcohol; college; myths/stereotypes

Stormo, K. J., Lang, A. R., & Stritzke, W. G. (1997). Attributions about acquaintance rape: The role of alcohol and individual differences. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 27, 279-305.

This article explores issues surrounding the assignment of blame and responsibility in acquaintance rape incidents involving alcohol. The authors discuss how alcohol-related behaviors are viewed as being contributory to sexual assault. Subjects were asked to read vignettes depicting acquaintance rape with varying levels of intoxication. They were then asked to make attributions about the incident. Results indicate that when victims and perpetrators were portrayed as equally intoxicated and there were signs of behavioral impairment, participants rated the victim as more responsible and blameworthy. In contrast, when the victim was more intoxicated than her assailant, the perpetrator was viewed as more responsible and blameworthy. Women tended to assign more blame to the victim. The influence of individual differences in rape myth acceptance on attributions are also discussed.

Topics: Alcohol; male-female relations; myths/stereotypes

Testa, M. (2002). The impact of men’s alcohol consumption on perpetration of sexual aggression. Clinical Psychology Review, 22, 1239-1263.

This article reviews the current literature concerning alcohol consumption and its relation to sexual aggression. Several studies examining associations between sexual perpetration and drinking habits/problems are reviewed. These studies have found a significant relationship between high levels of sexual aggression and alcohol abuse when comparing incarcerated sex offenders to the rest of the population. However, other associational studies have found a the severity of the sexual assault; however, mixed results were found. For example, one study found a negative relationship while another study only found a relationship between heavy drinking and the severity of the assault. Experimental studies are also reviewed in which some studies measure alcohol’s pharmacological effect in reducing the ability to perceive multiple cues and to look beyond the most salient cues in a situation. While there are few studies done on the pharmacological effect, the few that have been conducted provide compelling confirmation of its existence. Other studies have found a modest expectancy effect of alcohol on sexual aggression. Additional recommendations for future research are provided; specifically, the need to elucidate other mediating effects of alcohol on sexual aggression.

Topics: Alcohol; effects; perpetration

Testa, M., & Dermen, K. H. (1999). The differential correlates of sexual coercion and rape. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 14, 548-561.

The authors examined the correlates of sexual coercion and rape/attempted rape experiences separately among a sample of 190 women (aged 20–35 years) who were at increased risk of sexual victimization as a result of their high levels of sexual activity and alcohol consumption. We hypothesized that personality variables would be associated with sexual coercion but not rape experiences. We found that low self-esteem, low assertiveness, and high sex-related alcohol expectancies were associated with sexual coercion experiences but not with rape or attempted rape. Higher levels of casual sexual activity and alcohol consumption were associated with both types of experiences. Findings suggest that sexual coercion may be prevented by improving sexual assertiveness and weakening alcohol expectancies to emphasize personal control.

Topics: Alcohol; risk; vulnerability

Tjaden, P., & Thoennes,N. (2000). The role of stalking in DV crime reports. Violence and Victims, 15, 427-441.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of stalking in domestic violence situations. A sample of 1,785 domestic violence reports provided by the Colorado Springs Police Department was examined. The areas of interest include: (a) the prevalence of stalking in domestic violence reports, (b) risk factors associated with domestic violence stalking, (c) the rate at which intimate partner stalkers are charged, (d) similar conditions across domestic violence reports which include stalking, and (e) the outcome of domestic violence reports that include stalking compared to those that do not. Results indicate that women are more likely to report being stalked than men. Most stalking suspects were former intimates, not current partners. The domestic violence reports which included allegations of stalking were less likely to reveal that alcohol was used by the suspect and the victim at the time of the incident. Also, female stalking victims were less distraught when reporting the incident than other types of domestic violence victims. Colorado Spring police officers were more inclined to charge domestic violence stalking suspects with alternate crimes such as harassment.

Topics: Alcohol; male-female relations; stalking

Ullman, S. E. (1997). Review and critique of empirical studies of rape avoidance. Criminal Justice & Behavior, 24, 177-204.

This paper reviewed published studies of rape avoidance in order to evaluate the scientific basis for rape avoidance advice. Results are evaluated in light of conceptual and methodological limitations of this literature, and specific recommendations for future research are provided. Consistent evidence suggests the effectiveness of forceful resistance strategies for avoiding rape; however, few studies have analyzed resistance within the social and situational contexts of rape to provide situation-specific information about rape avoidance. Larger, representative community studies are needed in which a broader range of situational factors, resistance strategies, and assault outcomes are assessed. Interactions of contextual factors such as pre-assault alcohol use and the victim-offender relationship with offense behaviors should be tested. Furthermore, data on the sequential ordering of offender attack and victim resistance should be analyzed to enhance prediction of the probability of completed rape and physical injury to victims.

Topics: Alcohol; avoidance/resistance

Ullman, S. (2003). A critical review of field studies on the link of alcohol and adult sexual assault in women. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 8, 471-486.

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between sexual assault victimization and alcohol use. Studies were examined to further identify the role alcohol plays in victimization risk and how victimization may contribute to the perpetuation of alcohol consumption. Further evaluation of existing studies was done to better understand the role of alcohol consumption by the victim or offender in rape and injury outcomes. From these two areas of analysis, the author generates two theoretical models identifying how alcohol effects (a) lifetime sexual assault risk and (b) sexual assault incident outcomes.

Topics: Alcohol; effects; injury

Ullman, S. E., & Brecklin, L. R. (2003). Sexual assault history and health-related outcomes in a national sample of women. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 27, 46-57.

The purpose of this study is to understand how sexual assault victimization in different stages across the lifespan effects the health of the women victimized. The author examined the effects that sexual assault in childhood, adulthood, and in both childhood and adulthood had on a group of 627 women's reports of chronic medical conditions and use of services provided for mental health problems and substance abuse problems. Results indicate that specific social factors may play a unique role in the health of women who had been sexually assaulted. Of the women who were victimized in childhood only, posttraumatic stress disorder was positively associated with chronic medical conditions. Stressful events in adult victims showed higher reports of chronic medical conditions. Symptoms of alcohol dependence were associated with greater lifetime health care professional contact by women who were sexually victimized in both lifespan phases.

Topics: Alcohol; effects; survivors

Ullman, S. E., Karabatsos, G., & Koss, M. P. (1999). Alcohol and sexual aggression in a national sample of college men. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 23, 673-689.

This paper analyzed the role of alcohol in sexual assaults committed by 694 men identified from a national sample of 2,972 male college students (mean age 21 years) completing a survey. Interactions of alcohol use with assault variables did not suggest any synergistic role of alcohol use in predicting sexual aggression severity. Path analysis showed, however, that offender propensity to abuse alcohol and victim pre-assault alcohol use were each both directly and indirectly related to sexual aggression severity, whereas offender pre-assault alcohol use was not directly related to sexual aggression severity. This study suggests that alcohol use plays both direct and indirect roles in the outcomes of sexual assaults. Rape and alcohol abuse prevention efforts can benefit from incorporating information about alcohol's role in different assault contexts.

Topics: Alcohol; prevention; risk

Wechsler, H., Dowdall, G., Maenner, G., Gledhill-Hoyt, J., & Lee, H. (1998). Changes in binge drinking and related problems among American college students between 1993 and 1997. Results of the Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study. College Health, 47, 57-68.

In 1997 the Harvard School of Public Health conducted a repeat survey of 130 of the 140 colleges that participated in the 1993 College Alcohol Study. The original colleges surveyed were a random sample of 4-year colleges in the United States. Binge drinking as well as health and behavioral consequences of drinking were measured by using the results of completed questionnaires. Secondary binge effects of students, who were not current binge drinkers themselves, were examined. Alcohol-related sexual assault and unwanted sexual advances occurred almost exclusively to women. The results do not show significant change in binge drinking among college students.

Topics: Alcohol; college; prevalence

Zawacki, T., Abbey, A., Buck, P. O., McAuslan, P., & Clinton-Sherrod, A. M. (2003). Perpetrators of alcohol-involved sexual assaults: How do they differ from other sexual assault perpetrators and nonperpetrators? Aggressive Behavior, 29, 366-380.

Previous studies have examined differences between alcohol-related sexual assaults and nonalcohol-related sexual assaults concerning situational variables. Nonetheless, research concerning the differences between perpetrators who commit alcohol-involved assaults and those who commit nonalcohol-involved assaults is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to look at the personality traits, attitudes, and behaviors of the two types of perpetrators and to identify differences between them. Specifically, it was hypothesized that differences between the two types of perpetrators would exist regarding alcohol-related beliefs, antisocial behaviors, beliefs pertaining to violence against women, and dating- and sex-related behaviors and beliefs. Male college students (N = 356) were recruited at a large university to complete a survey that elicited information pertaining to their history of sexual assault and their personality and belief system. Within this sample, 42% reported never having committed sexual assault against a woman while 14% indicated committing completed rape. Furthermore, while nonperpetrators differed from both types of perpetrators, the alcohol- and nonalcohol-related perpetrators were found to be similar in most aspects. On the other hand, perpetrators of alcohol-involved sexual assaults held differing views on appropriate alcohol consumption in sexual situations and were also found to differ in impulsivity. Implications concerning the interplay between situational, personality, and attitudinal elements of sexual assault are discussed.

Topics: Alcohol; perpetration; theory

updated 08/01/07