Prevalence and predictors of sexual assault among a college sample

Author: Conley, A.H.; Overstreet, C.M.; Hawn, S.E.; Kendler, K.S.; Dick, D.M.; Amstadter, A.B.

Description: OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence and correlates of precollege, college-onset, and repeat sexual assault (SA) within a representative student sample.

PARTICIPANTS: A representative sample of 7,603 students.

METHODS: Incoming first-year students completed a survey about their exposure to broad SA prior to college, prior trauma, personality, relationships, and mental health. Broad SA was then reassessed each spring semester while enrolled.

RESULTS: Nearly 20% of the sample reported experiencing broad SA, with women endorsing significantly higher rates compared with males. Prior victimization before coming to college was related to a greater risk of victimization in college, and there was no statistically significant difference between males and females who reported revictimization. Correlates of college-onset broad SA were found and are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS: Given the need for SA intervention and prevention on college campuses, identification of factors potentially contributing to exposure within this population is essential.

Subject Headings: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Sex Offenses/psychology/statistics & numerical data; Social Support; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/psychology; Students/psychology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Universities/organization & administration; Young Adult; Ptsd; resilience; revictimization; sexual assault; sexual victimization; trauma

Keywords: Prevalence and predictors of sexual assault among a college sample

Publication year: 2017

Journal or book title: Journal of American College Health : J of ACH

Volume: 65

Issue: 1

Pages: 41-49

Find the full text : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07448481.2016.1235578

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Type: Journal Article

Serial number: 2528