Using theatre for social change to address sexual violence against college women

Christensen, Mary Candace

The University of Utah, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2012. 3522592.

The present study focuses on the need for sexual assault prevention interventions among college student populations. A review of the literature indicates that theatre-based prevention interventions are effective in preventing sexual violence among student populations. Chapter 2 of this dissertation is a literature review synthesizing scholarship focused on using theatre of the oppressed techniques to address sexual assault against women. Chapter 3 consists of a systematic review that summarizes and synthesizes quantitative and qualitative research that explores the impact theatre of the oppressed theory and practice has on sexual assault prevention. For this project, sexual assault response providers (therapists, nurses, advocates, and educators), community members and college students were engaged in focus group interviews evaluating the first iteration of a theatre-based sexual assault prevention intervention, Not Responsible. Chapter 4 of this dissertation focuses on how the intervention was changed based upon the evaluation of the first iteration. The intervention was presented to undergraduate students. And focus group interviews were used to explore how undergraduate student audience members experienced the intervention, revolUtion, on an emotional and intellectual level. Results from each chapter have been integrated in a discussion of the findings and implications for social work practice.