Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2025

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Exposure to a Youth-Led Sexual Violence Prevention Program Among Adolescents: The Impact of Engagement
Victoria Banyard1, Katie M Edwards2, Emily A Waterman3
1School of Social Work, Center on Violence Against Women and Children, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey.
Objective:
Most studies of peer sexual violence (SV) prevention programs for adolescents focus on program outcomes or feasibility and acceptability; few examine how exposure levels or dosage affects impact. The present study examined the effects of attending multiple community-located youth-led prevention events, as compared to attending one or none, on peer violence (PV)-related attitudes and behaviors.
Method:
Middle and high school students (M age at first wave = 13.7; 53.2% female; 76.5% White; 21.0% Native American) responded to surveys across 3 years. Logistic regression analyses compared students who attended one community-based event, two or more events, and zero events on sexual violence victimization, any other violence perpetration/victimization, social norms, denial of the problem of sexual violence, and bystander behaviors.
Results:
After controlling for exposure to longer prevention leadership training as well as baseline outcome levels, youth who participated in two or more community prevention events showed lower perpetration over time, improved prevention attitudes, and more helpful bystander actions in response to peer sexual violence. No significant differences were noted for attendance at one community-based event.
Conclusions:
Impact of out of school prevention events on youth behavior depends on more vigorous engagement than one-time contacts. Community-based prevention programs can utilize youth-led engagement strategies to help increase youth participation and resulting benefits.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Bullying
Bystander Effect

