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Updated: Jan 20, 2026
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Bystander Effect and Diffusion of Responsibility
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A Quasiexperimental Study of the Bystander Plus Program for Changing Rape Culture Beliefs
Michael C Cadaret1, Nicole L Johnson2, Melissa L Devencenzi3
1Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|September 4, 2019
Summary
This study tested a two-session bystander plus program to reduce rape culture beliefs on college campuses. The program effectively decreased personal and perceived endorsement of rape culture among undergraduate students.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Sexual violence is a public health crisis, particularly on college campuses.
- Current rape prevention efforts include reducing rape myth acceptance and increasing bystander intervention.
- Bystander programs aim to teach safe and effective intervention strategies for potential sexual assault scenarios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the efficacy of a novel two-session bystander plus program.
- The program aimed to foster culture change and consciousness-raising regarding sexual violence.
- To assess the program's impact on rape culture beliefs among undergraduate students.
Main Methods:
- An intervention group (n=23) participated in a two-session program: Empowering the Bystander (ETB) and Define It!.
- The ETB session focused on rape myths, survivor empathy, bystander behaviors, and rape culture awareness.
- A control group (n=58) from an introductory psychology course did not receive the intervention.
- Both groups completed the Rape Culture Inventory (RCI) at pre-, post-, and 1-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Intervention participants showed a significant decrease in personal endorsement of rape culture beliefs compared to the control group.
- Perceived college endorsement of rape culture beliefs also decreased significantly in the intervention group.
- These positive changes were sustained at the 1-month follow-up assessment.
Conclusions:
- The bystander plus program model is effective in reducing rape culture beliefs.
- This program offers a promising approach for college sexual violence prevention efforts.
- Future research should focus on refining and expanding bystander plus program development.
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