Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Emily F. Rothman, ScD¹, Michele R. Decker, MPH², Elizabeth A. Reed, MPH², Jeanne E. Hathaway, MD, MPH², Anita Raj, PhD³, Elizabeth Miller, MD, PhD⁴, and Jay G. Silverman, PhD⁵. (1) Youth Alcohol Prevention Center, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118, 617-414-1385, erothman@bu.edu, (2) Division of Public Health Practice, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Kresge 705, Boston, MA 02115, (3) Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St., T2W, Boston, MA 02118, (4) Stoeckle Center for Primary Care Innovation, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St., 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114, (5) Division of Public Health Practice/Department of Society, Human Development & Health, Harvard University, 677 Huntington Ave., Kresge 705, Boston, MA 02115

Prior focus groups conducted with adolescent males as part of a qualitative research study on adolescent dating violence and sexual health identified a phenomenon described as ‘trains' in which a number of males (ranging from 3 to 30+) sequentially have sexual intercourse with one female. In subsequent semi-structured interviews with 25 adolescent males ages 15-21 who reported dating violence perpetration, detailed first-hand accounts of ‘train' participation were provided. The purpose of this study is to provide qualitative data to better understand this phenomenon and its context, its relation to dating violence, as well as related social, health, and sexual risks. Interview data were analyzed to describe social norms regarding ‘trains', the context, consequences and settings of ‘trains', rationale for participation or nonparticipation, STD protection and substance use involved, and reported consent of female participants (i.e., the extent to which adolescent males perceived that female participants consented or were coerced into this activity). Initial results suggest that among this sample participation in ‘trains' was widespread, often perceived as consensual, closely linked to alcohol and other drug use, and did not always occur in the context of parties. Results also suggest that some males may view ‘train' participation as a way to show closeness and loyalty to male peers. Findings are expected to 1) expand understanding of the types of coercive and high-risk sex among this population, 2) guide further inquiry concerning this behavior, and 3) begin to inform relevant prevention programming.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Define the term “trains” and its relevance to sexual assault.
• Discuss the context in which “trains” are described to have taken place by a sample of 25 adolescent males identified as perpetrators of dating violence.
• Prioritize areas for additional research on less-studied form of risky sexual behavior among adolescents.

Keywords: Adolescents, Sexual Assault

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation