Dynamic and Static Norms to Prevent Sexual Assault

An emerging body of research demonstrates that dynamic norms, information about how norms are changing over time, may have positive effects above and beyond static norms, information about the prevalence of behaviors and attitudes at the current time (Sparkman & Walton, 2017). Dynamic norms promote self-efficacy, communicate that the change is important to others, and show that change can be compatible with one’s identity (Sparkman & Walton, 2019). Thus far, Sparkman and Walton (2017; 2019) have provided evidence that dynamic norms strengthen the social norms approach in several domains, such as sustainable behaviors, health behaviors, and men’s identification as feminists. The present research aims to extend this dynamic norm research to sexual assault prevention. One avenue through which sexual assault prevalence can be reduced is by increasing bystander action in sexual risk contexts. A sample of all genders from Amazons Mechanical Turk will be assigned to one of three norm conditions (dynamic v. static v. control) in which the norms apply to bystander intervention in sexual risk scenarios. Intent to intervene and possible mechanisms will be assessed.