JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Sexual harassment (SH) and sexual assault (SA) are serious public health problems among U.S. service members. Few SH and SA prevention interventions have been developed exclusively for the military. Code of Respect (X-CoRe) is an innovative web-based multi-level SA and SH intervention designed exclusively for the active-duty Air Force. The program’s goal is to increase Airmen’s knowledge and skills to build and maintain respectful relationships, ultimately reducing SH and SA and enhancing Airmen’s overall well-being and mission readiness.

Objective:

This pilot study aimed to assess the short-term psychosocial impact (e.g., knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy) of the online component of X-CoRe on a sample of junior enlisted and mid-level Airmen.

Methods:

Airmen from a military installation located in the northeast U.S. were recruited (n = 15) to complete the ten online modules in X-CoRe. Participants were given pre- and post-tests to measure short-term psychosocial outcomes associated with SH and SA. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were conducted to assess differences from preintervention to postintervention.

Results:

After completing X-CoRe, participants had a significantly greater understanding of active consent, confidence in their healthy relationship skills, and confidence to intervene as bystanders. Although not statistically significant, mean scores in attitudes about SH, relationship violence, and cyberbullying; perceptions of sexual misconduct as part of military life; and relationship skills self-efficacy with a romantic partner and friend also improved.

Conclusions:

The findings from this study demonstrate X-CoRe’s effectiveness in improving critical determinants of SH and SA, making it a promising intervention for SH and SA prevention. More rigorous research is needed to determine X-CoRe’s impact on SH and SA victimization and the long-term impact on associated psychosocial determinants.