Citation

Yusufov M, Orchowski LM. J. Am. Coll. Health 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2020.1719111

PMID

32027242

Abstract

Objective: Most sexual assault prevention approaches are universal in nature. The present study evaluated a Transtheoretical Model (TTM)-based Stages of Change (SOC) measure assessing readiness to utilize sexual assault risk reduction skills. The measure was evaluated with regard to Decisional Balance and Self-Efficacy. Participants: Survey data were collected from 300 college women (M_age=18.5, SD = 0.79). Methods: Three SOC measures were developed and evaluated for using: 1) assertive responding; 2) self-protective dating behaviors; and 3) open sexual communication. Item development was followed by exploratory, confirmatory, and external validation analyses. Results: Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) indicated two, six-item factors (Positive Outcomes α=.91; Negative Outcomes α=.85) for Decisional Balance. Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) supported a two-factor correlated model, χ²(66)=2101.70, p<.001, CFI=.946, RMSEA=.083. For Self-Efficacy, EFA indicated one, six-item factor (α=.81). Conclusions: These readiness assessments may guide understanding of factors influencing sexual assault risk reduction program outcomes and aid in tailoring program content.

Language: en

Keywords

Readiness; sexual assault; sexual victimization; stages of change; transtheoretical model; violence