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Abstract
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Sexual violence (SV) is a pervasive public health issue on college campuses. While much research has been conducted to determine factors contributing to SV, little work focuses on the role of perceived social norms. The purpose of this paper is to examine college students' perceived descriptive norms for SV perpetration (i.e. prevalence estimates for SV).
Design/methodology/approach
Using a cross-sectional survey, male and female college students from a large public institution in the Southeastern USA were instructed to estimate the prevalence of SV for "typical students" of their same gender on campus.
Findings
When compared to actual prevalence rates of SV perpetrated by females and males, both perpetrators and non-perpetrators overestimated the prevalence of SV among same-sex peers, but perpetrators made even higher estimates compared to those made by non-perpetrators for some sexually aggressive acts.
RESULTS demonstrate strong and consistent normative misperceptions surrounding SV perpetration.
Research limitations/implications
Findings lend support for testing social norms-based prevention programs for SV on college campuses.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first investigations into perceived social norms surrounding SV; perceived social norms may be an influential factor contributing to SV.
Keywords:
United States, Sexual violence, Social norms, Sexual assault, College student, Perpetration
© Emerald Publishing Limited 2017
Language: en |