Bystander Interventions Impact on Beliefs: A Systematic Review

• In Event: Bystander Intervention and Reporting of Crime to Police

Abstract

The present systematic review aims to examine the impact of bystander interventions. Bystander interventions have become a prevailing intervention, particularly on college campuses, to reduce sexual violence. The theory aims to change the mindset, and attitudes, of individuals to be more likely to intervene in various problematic scenarios. While there is a large body of research on the topic of bystander interventions, no research to date has conducted a systematic review exclusively on bystander interventions impact to beliefs including rape myth acceptance, bystander efficacy, intent to help, and sexism. The objective of this review is to assess whether the interventions are making a true impact on beliefs, as prior literature has focused primarily on behavioral outcomes of bystander interventions. Particularly for a concept that is socially derived and constantly evolving, it is necessary to continue to examine the validity of bystander interventions. The review will continue expanding our knowledge of bystander interventions on the concept of rape myths and whether the intervention makes a lasting impact or is dependent on factors of the intervention.

Authors

• Jayden Varline, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

• Joseph Kaberlein, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee