The Relationship Between College Student Characteristics and Reporting Sexual Assault Experiences on Two Different Scales

Kimberly A. Tyler, Colleen M. Ray

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Though high rates of sexual assault are found on college campuses, prevalence rates between studies can vary considerable by gender, sexual orientation, and other student characteristics. Thus, it is unknown whether these are “true” differences for such characteristics or if there are methodological differences to consider. As such the current study examined whether student characteristics including gender, race, sexual orientation, sexual attraction, Greek affiliation, and relationship status are uniquely associated with reporting on two different sexual assault scales. Data were gathered from 783 college students in 2019–2020 at a large Midwestern university. Results revealed that the two different scales consistently provided different prevalence rates of sexual assault. Moreover, for each type of sexual assault (e.g., coercion, incapacitation, and physical force), there were also significant differences with students consistently reporting higher prevalence rates on one scale over the other. Finally, significant differences were found in prevalence rates across gender, sexual attraction, and Greek affiliated status.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)532-546
Number of pages15
JournalViolence and Victims
Volume37
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2022

Keywords

  • Greek affiliation
  • college students
  • gender
  • revised sexual experiences scale
  • sexual assault
  • sexual coercion scale

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Health(social science)
  • Law

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