The role of social drinking factors in the relationship between incapacitated sexual assault and drinking before sexual activity.

Experiences with incapacitated sexual assault were positively associated with perceived drinking norms and social motives for drinking among college women.

Summary: The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between incapacitated sexual assault (ISA) and drinking before engaging in sexual activity. A sample of 602 undergraduate female college students completed an online survey on history of ISA, social factors associated with drinking, and frequency of drinking before sexual activity. Higher perceived drinking norms and more social drinking motive endorsement were associated with more severe ISA histories. The authors concluded that college sexual violence prevention programs should address social factors related to drinking to reduce rates of incapacitated sexual assault.

Application/Evaluation: The study did not evaluate the effectiveness of a health program or strategy.

Limitations: The study was conducted with only female college students.  The sample was recruited from introductory psychology courses and consisted of mostly freshmen students.

Author: 
Bird, E. R., Gilmore, A. K., George, W. H., & Lewis, M. A.
Start Page: 
28
End Page: 
53
Journal/Periodical Name: 
Addictive Behaviors
Volume: 
52
Publication Date: 
2016