ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Bystander intervention (BI) is a prevention approach commonly used for interpersonal violence, but is less studied for problematic alcohol use (PAU). Domestic graduate and international students' life experiences bring a unique context for the potential application of BI to PAU. METHODS AND MEASURES: We conducted a mixed methods study that consisted of a needs assessment and focus groups at a southeastern university in the U.S. The aims of this study were to understand (1) differences in PAU BI opportunities for domestic graduate versus international students, (2) reasons for differences in PAU BI use, and (3) barriers/facilitators in use of PAU BI. RESULTS: Overall, participants had few opportunities to use BI. Domestic graduate students had slightly more opportunities compared to international students. Most prominent reasons for lack of opportunities included not wanting to drive, the cost of drinking, and holding a graduate student identity (e.g. not interested in heavy drinking). Trusting others to be responsible for themselves was a common barrier noted for not using BI for PAU. CONCLUSION: PAU BI programs should contextualize experiences of domestic graduate and international students to provide appropriate skill development that considers unique barriers and facilitators to intervention use.
ABSTRACT
Trauma-informed design is an emerging concept that combines elements of interior design, environmental psychology, and clinical psychology. Previous reports describe the potential impact of the physical space and design of homeless shelters on positive psychological outcomes (Pable, 2012). However, there is little known research on these outcomes. This article provides preliminary support for positive outcomes through a program evaluation of a trauma-informed design of resident bedrooms at two homeless shelters in North Carolina. Residents (n = 61) were asked to take a presurvey (before room design) and postsurvey (after design) that assessed their experiences of preparedness, hopefulness, and safety. Among those who completed both pre and postsurveys (n = 43), there was a statistically significant improvement in all three factors following the design, with the largest effect sizes for safety and total score average. Additionally, qualitative findings indicate participants felt the design updates increased their experiences of dignity (n = 17) and safety (n = 13), with some indicating increased feelings of hope (n = 4). We discuss implications for other homeless shelters, as well as similar institutions that support people in transitional housing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
