The impact of screening procedures on sexual assault estimates in college women: a brief report.
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| Title: | The impact of screening procedures on sexual assault estimates in college women: a brief report. |
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| Authors: | Presutti, Emily (AUTHOR), Firkey, Madison (AUTHOR), Woolf-King, Sarah. E. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of American College Health. Feb2026, Vol. 74 Issue 2, p282-286. 5p. |
| Subjects: | Self-evaluation, Sex crimes, Control (Psychology), Research funding, Human sexuality, Universities & colleges, Questionnaires, Psychology of women, Rape, Descriptive statistics, Experimental design, Sex customs, Surveys, Statistics, Psychology of college students, Data analysis software, Sociodemographic factors, Self-disclosure |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Sexual assault on U.S. college campuses remains a pervasive public health concern for college women, yet accurately estimating its prevalence presents ongoing challenges. Behaviorally-specific survey items yield significantly higher disclosure rates than single-item gate questions (e.g., "Have you ever been raped?"). This study compares these approaches in measuring forced penetration among college women. Methods: Data were collected from Fall 2021 to Fall 2023 as part of an experimental study examining barriers to sexual refusal assertiveness. A total of 199 college women ages 18–25 completed behavioral measures assessing unwanted sexual experiences. Results: Reports of forced penetration were approximately five times higher using a behaviorally-specific measure compared to a single gate question. Discussion: These findings highlight the need for universities to use behaviorally-specific assessments in campus climate surveys to more accurately capture the scope of sexual assault and adequately support prevention and survivor resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Introduction: Sexual assault on U.S. college campuses remains a pervasive public health concern for college women, yet accurately estimating its prevalence presents ongoing challenges. Behaviorally-specific survey items yield significantly higher disclosure rates than single-item gate questions (e.g., "Have you ever been raped?"). This study compares these approaches in measuring forced penetration among college women. Methods: Data were collected from Fall 2021 to Fall 2023 as part of an experimental study examining barriers to sexual refusal assertiveness. A total of 199 college women ages 18–25 completed behavioral measures assessing unwanted sexual experiences. Results: Reports of forced penetration were approximately five times higher using a behaviorally-specific measure compared to a single gate question. Discussion: These findings highlight the need for universities to use behaviorally-specific assessments in campus climate surveys to more accurately capture the scope of sexual assault and adequately support prevention and survivor resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 07448481 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/07448481.2025.2533920 |
