A randomized controlled trial of a multi-dose bystander intervention program using peer education theater

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Education

Background:

• Sexual violence prevention on college campuses is a critical public health issue.
• Bystander intervention programs aim to empower students to prevent sexual violence.
• Peer education theater is an innovative approach to deliver prevention education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the longitudinal impact of the SCREAM Theater program on bystander-related outcomes.
• To determine if multiple doses of the intervention enhance program effectiveness.
• To examine potential sex-based differences in program impact.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal, experimental design with three waves of surveys (pretest, post-test 1, post-test 2).
• Participants: First-year college students (N=1390).
• Intervention: One dose of SCREAM Theater during orientation, with random assignment to one additional dose or a control group after the first post-test.

Main Results:

• Both one- and three-dose groups showed positive increases in bystander intentions, efficacy, perceived norms, and behaviors.
• An intent-to-treat analysis revealed that three doses significantly improved outcomes compared to a single dose.
• Female students consistently scored higher than male students across all measured outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The SCREAM Theater program shows promise as an effective bystander intervention strategy for college campuses.
• Multiple doses of the peer education theater intervention appear more beneficial than a single exposure.
• Further research should explore the sustained impact and specific mechanisms driving sex-based differences.