JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Bystander intervention is one of the most used methods to curb the sexual violence crisis on college campuses. Most universities conduct training among their student bodies to ensure students are familiar with the procedure. However, it is necessary to remind and repeat messages to audiences to underscore their importance and solidify that knowledge among populations. In this study, the author developed Instagram-type reel messages that consider multiple frameworks used to develop bystander trainings and programs, such as social norms approach and bystander barriers. These messages were tested via a 4x1 experimental design study with college students at a large public university (N = 157). The conditions were messages that emphasize norms (norm reinforcement condition, based on social norms approach); messages that emphasize behavior (norm readjustment condition, based on bystander barriers); messages that underscore the discrepancy between perceived peer norm and actual behavior (combination condition, based on both social norms approach and bystander barriers); and a control condition. ANOVA analysis revealed the norms reinforcement condition and the combination condition seemed to have the most impact on participants’ perceived norms and behavioral intentions. This indicates these messages could work in conjunction with trainings as a way to underscore the importance of bystander intervention behavior.