An evaluation of a bystander-based sexual violence prevention program for male athletes

Background. Prevention programs based on the prosocial bystander model are promising public health practices on college campuses. The present study evaluated a bystander-based sexual violence prevention program targeted at male athletes (Wingman 101), which focuses on changing attitudes, knowledge and obstacles that interfere with prosocial bystander behaviors. Methods. Formative, process and outcome data were obtained from students at a large, Northeastern university using quantitative and qualitative items. Preliminary formative data were collected from 190 undergraduate students in March 2009 in order to guide final program development. Beginning in February 2012, the program was evaluated using a randomized controlled trial. Data for the program evaluation were collected from approximately 100 male athletes at three waves (pre-test, post-test and 2 month follow-up). Process evaluation data were collected from program participants following their program session, as well as from program facilitators. Results. Findings from our formative data suggested that male athletes were an appropriate target for our intervention. For example, both males and athletes were less likely to believe that there was something they could do about sexual assault than females and non-athletes. Analysis of recently collected outcome and process evaluation data will allow us to explore if male athletes' bystander attitudes, knowledge and behaviors improve as a result of participation in Wingman 101. Discussion: While prosocial bystander interventions are increasingly popular on college campuses, few have been evaluated using rigorous methods. Findings from this study can be used by college health educators who are offering bystander-based programming on their campuses.