Daily surveys and protective behavior use among first semester college women

What is it about?

First semester college women may be more likely to use alcohol and sexual assault protective behaviors after responding to daily surveys about their protective behavior use as well as alcohol use and social experiences (i.e., going out to drink). Alcohol protective behaviors are harm reduction tools to minimize the potential for negative experiences when drinking (e.g., alternate water and alcohol to minimize the effects of alcohol). Sexual assault protective behaviors are tools to reduce the possibility of being targeted as a victim of sexual assault (e.g., go out with trusted friends; keep an eye on your drink). This study has implications for momentary-based interventions for college students.

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Why is it important?

Our findings show that responding to daily questions about protective behavior use may influence first semester college women to use more protective behaviors when they are drinking. This is important because protective behaviors have been linked to less drinking, less consequences, and reduces the strength of the relationship between alcohol use and sexual assault.