Evaluating a Psychoeducational Sexual Assault Prevention Program Incorporating Theatrical Presentation, Peer Education, and Social Work

Abstract

Objective A theatrical sexual assault prevention program presented by social work students on an urban university campus was evaluated to assess its influence on attitude change of audience attendees. Method A quasi-experimental pretest, posttest, follow-up group design using a sample of 100 participants and a comparison group of 64 was implemented to evaluate the program's effectiveness. Results Posttest mean scores were significantly lower than pretest mean scores on the Rape Myth Acceptance Scale. Follow-up scores on two of the four subscales were significantly lower than pretest scores. Conclusion Integrating the disciplines of theater, education, and social work for prevention programming may influence attitudes and contribute to the maintenance of attitude change on some aspects of beliefs related to sexual assault.