Development and validation of the C-SHADE Scale for measuring perpetration of common sexually harassing and aggressive behaviors in drinking environments

Abstract

Background Sexual aggression (SA) is ubiquitous in drinking environments, often seen as normal and acceptable; yet, targets of SA experience many negative consequences. This research aimed to develop a valid measure of common acts of SA in drinking settings for estimating prevalence and evaluating prevention initiatives. Methods We developed a questionnaire measure of common acts of sexual harassment and aggression in drinking environments (C-SHADE) based on descriptions of SA behavior from our own and others' research. The measure was validated in a cross-sectional survey of 335 men aged 19-25 using webpanels from an online survey company. Validation measures included: a modified version of the Sexual Experiences Survey (M-SES), measures of SA by peers in drinking environments, SA-related attitudes, expectancies about sexual effects of alcohol, and alcohol consumption. Results The C-SHADE showed high internal consistency (α = 0.96) and was significantly correlated with M-SES (r = 0.52), SA by peers (r = 0.61 to 0.70), SA-related attitudes/expectations (r = 0.38 to 0.55), and measures of alcohol consumption (r = 0.22 to 0.36). Overall, 71.9% participants reported SA using the C-SHADE versus 24.7% with the M-SES. We compared the responses of participants who reported perpetration on both measures (N = 83), only the C-SHADE (N = 141), and non-perpetrators (N = 89) (excluding 4 participants who reported perpetration only on the M-SES). The M-SES/C-SHADE perpetrators scored significantly higher than C-SHADE-only perpetrators and non-perpetrators on most SA-related and drinking measures, while C-SHADE-only perpetrators scored significantly higher than non-perpetrators on peer SA and two attitude measures. Conclusions The C-SHADE is suitable for measuring prevalence and evaluating interventions in drinking settings. The C-SHADE confirmed high prevalence of SA in drinking settings and identified an important group of C-SHADE-only perpetrators for whom interventions that focus on situational precipitators of SA in drinking settings may be especially useful.