Examining Sexual Consent Education for First Year College Students: A Program Evaluation

Abstract

Our country spends tens of millions of dollars annually on sex education but there are still several issues related to sexual behavior that arise including, an increase in transmitted infections in young adults, rates of sexual assault and varied knowledge in sexual consent, which ultimately impacts the wellbeing of our youth (Boonstra, 2010; Williams and Jensen, 2015; RAHN, 2014; Muehlenhard et al., 2016). Additionally, government initiatives have recognized sexual assault as an emerging issue, possibly since 13-30% of female college students have experienced sexual assault (Muehlenhard et al., 2016; https://www.healthypeople.gov/). Understanding how sexual consent plays a role in these problems is crucial (Williams and Jensen, 2015). This study evaluated a current sexual assault education and prevention program at a local private, urban university. Specifically, the aim of this study was to understand how health-based interventions influence first-year college students’ attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors around sexual consent using a post-posttest survey design. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained from the appropriate university board and data collection took place until March 2020. results from this study show an increase in directive communication styles around sexual consent. Based on these results, recommendations are proposed for universities to adopt health based interventions as well as for more research to be completed in this area to develop evidence-based interventions that address sexual health and well-being. This novel study provides insights for individuals who are involved with student life and campus mental health initiatives, as well as university administration, so that they may create and disseminate health interventions to their student body.