ASSIST Study: Pilot Cluster Randomized Trial
University of Washington
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the ASSIST (Alcohol-focused Support of Survivors in Sororities Training) intervention in sorority chapters. ASSIST is a newly developed web-based intervention to increase peer support of sexual assault survivors and reduce encouragement of drinking to cope within social networks of sororities. To test whether the intervention is feasible and shows preliminary signs of working, a pilot cluster randomized trial will be conducted. Sorority chapters will be recruited and randomly assigned to an intervention condition or an assessment-only condition. Individuals within each sorority will be recruited and complete a norm documentation survey. One month later, participants will complete a baseline survey, and if assigned to the intervention condition, will then receive the web-based ASSIST intervention, which will include normative feedback on values and drinking, psychoeducation about sexual assault recovery and the role of alcohol, and skills training in behaviors that can be used to support survivors without or while moderating heavy drinking. All participants will complete online follow-up surveys at 1-, 3-, and 6-months post-intervention.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Chapter-Level Inclusion Criteria: * Greek organization of undergraduate women recognized by the Office of Fraternity \& Sorority Life with a physical house for chapter members * At least 80 active members Individual-Level Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 years or older * Current student * Active member in a participating sorority chapter Exclusion Criteria: * \[None\]
Interventions
- BehavioralAlcohol-focused Support of Survivors in Sororities Training (ASSIST)
A web-based intervention that includes sorority and individual values, personalized normative feedback (adapted to address sexual assault, support, and acceptability of encouraging peer drinking), psychoeducation on sexual assault and alcohol, and skills training in behaviors to support sexual assault survivors without heavy drinking.
Location
- University of WashingtonSeattle, Washington