Evaluation of the Define It! Program for Raising Critically Conscious Bystander Behaviors

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Intervention Science
• Higher Education

Background:

• Bystander intervention programs aim to prevent negative behaviors.
• Critically conscious intentions are crucial for effective bystander action.
• Previous interventions may not fully address nuanced social dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Define It! consciousness-raising intervention.
• To assess the intervention's impact on critically conscious intentions among undergraduate students.
• To validate the Critically Conscious Bystander Scale (CCBS) as a measure of change.

Main Methods:

• Two studies were conducted with undergraduate students.
• Study 1 focused on feasibility, acceptability, and measure adequacy.
• Study 2 employed a randomized controlled trial comparing the intervention to a control group, using the CCBS and IRMAS-SF.

Main Results:

• The Define It! program was found to be feasible and acceptable.
• The CCBS was confirmed as an adequate measure of change.
• Intervention participants in Study 2 showed significant increases on the CCBS compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• The Define It! intervention is a promising tool for enhancing critically conscious bystander intentions.
• This intervention may contribute to more effective bystander behavior in college settings.
• Further research should explore long-term effects and broader applicability.