Sexual Assault Prevention: A Randomized Control Trial of a Standard Military Intervention and a Motivational Interview Enhancement.

Despite increased efforts to prevent sexual assault in military environments, the problem continues at an alarming rate. Sexual assault prevention programs (SAPP) attempt to respond to this issue, yet little is known about their effectiveness within a military environment. This randomized controlled trial examined the potential efficacy of the 2015 United States Air Force (USAF) SAPP compared to that same program with an additional motivational interviewing (MI) enhancement. The MI enhancement involved both self-guided and group discussions designed to elicit change talk toward preventing sexual assault through bystander interventions. Research questions included the general efficacy of the USAF's SAPP in shifting factors linked to sexual assault, specifically participants' endorsement of beliefs associated with sexual assault, beliefs eceived the pretest via e-mailabout intervening as a bystander when confronted with a hypothetical sexual assault situation, and participants' reported willingness to intervene to stop a sexual assault. Fifty-one college students participated, of whom 64% had a history of military involvement. Primary outcome measures included bystanders' willingness and confidence to intervene as well as indicators of rape myth acceptance. Participants in the standard USAF SAPP showed no significant change in willingness or confidence to intervene as bystanders from pretest to posttest. By contrast, those who received a relatively short MI enhancement showed statistically significant increases in their willingness to intervene as bystanders. Neither group showed changes in sexual assault myths. Enhancing SAPPs with a motivational enhancement effort seems justified, especially given the relative low resources involved in introducing such a program.

Predictors of Reproductive Autonomy among a Rural University Population.

Reproductive autonomy is necessary for one's overall well-being and is defined as the ability to decide and control issues of contraceptive use, pregnancy, and birth. Barriers to consistent contraceptive use persist, limiting an individual's ability to exercise reproductive autonomy. The present study investigated the prevalence of reproductive autonomy and gender beliefs among 468 university students (311 women and 157 men) in a rural setting. Participants completed surveys measuring reproductive autonomy, attitudes around gender beliefs, and demographic questions. Correlations revealed a positive association between decision making, communication, and freedom from coercion. Multiple regressions found significant predictors to achieving reproductive autonomy, including holding healthy gender beliefs, being a woman, using birth control, engaging in less religious activity, and being a non-Christian. Social work efforts should support young adults to effectively communicate about the use of contraception within relationships and to promote healthy gender beliefs. Assessment tools should include screening for coercive behaviors such as intimidation, isolation, and threats within intimate partnerships. Social work advocacy efforts should focus on decreasing the continuing barriers to both comprehensive reproductive health care and access to highly effective contraceptives. The specific reproductive health needs of rural young adult populations should also be further examined.

Teen Dating Violence: Predicting Physical and Sexual Violence and Mental Health Symptoms Among Heterosexual Adolescent Males.

This study investigated the prevalence of female-to-male intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health symptoms among 589 male high school students. Participants completed questionnaires asking if they had experienced dating violence victimization, mental health symptoms, and violent attitudes. Correlations revealed strong positive associations between sexual, physical, and psychological IPV among male victims. Multiple regression found significant predictors of negative mental health consequences were experiencing psychological violence, experiencing physical violence, and having attitudes that accept violence. Further analysis revealed that participants who experience three types of dating violence (physical, sexual, and psychological) were significantly more likely to perpetrate physical and sexual violence. These findings suggest that violent attitudes and experiencing dating violence are significantly predictive of future negative mental health and perpetration among adolescent boys.

U.S. Men's Perceptions and Experiences of Emergency Contraceptives.

Research suggests that men should be included in reproductive health decision making to help enhance positive health outcomes for their partners. Men affect the use of contraception and what method is used. Men's decisions may be affected by different factors such as gender, education, and the nature of their sexual relationship. A qualitative study was conducted to explore males' experiences and perceptions about emergency contraception (EC), and the meanings males assign to EC. Semistructured in-depth focus groups were held with 15 men who engage in heterosexual activity recruited from a university setting in the United States. Participants expressed egalitarian views of the contraception decision-making processes, a sense of responsibility regarding reproductive decision making, and that society has a negative stigma toward those who use EC. However, there was a lack of knowledge regarding the copper intrauterine device, which was not viewed as a method of EC. Exploring the role and needs of men in reproductive health care discussions and research is an important and growing area. Recommendations are provided for health care practitioners, policy, and future research around men and EC.