A Brief Computer-Based Sexual Assault Risk Reduction Program: A Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy Pilot Study

Abstract

Sexual victimization among college women is a common problem, necessitating the development of risk reduction programs that are both effective and acceptable to this population. Computer-based programs may be a cost- and time-effective option. This pilot study sought to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a computer-based risk reduction program. A total of 136 collegiate women were randomly assigned to receive either a computer-based risk reduction program or an educational program about campus resources (active control condition). Measures included predicted use of resistance techniques, risk detection, and acceptability of the program. No participants dropped out of the study, and acceptability ratings were generally high. Women reported learning new material from the program, preferring the computer-based program to large-group programs, and believing that other undergraduate women would benefit from the program. Furthermore, women reported they did not experience significant emotional disturbance due to the material. In addition, postintervention, the risk reduction program group had significantly better risk detection compared with the control group. The control group evidenced a reduction in predicted use of assertive resistance between pre- and postintervention assessments, while the risk reduction program group did not. Given preliminary support for the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a brief, computerized risk reduction program, further research on computerized, online risk reduction programs, such as the one in this study, appears warranted.