Mental Health and Substance Use Factors Associated with Sexual Violence Victimization and Perpetration in University Samples: A Meta-Analysis

IntroductionUsing the biopsychosocial model, we explored the mental health and substance use factors associated with sexual violence (SV) victimization and perpetration among U.S. college students and compared the differences in strength of these correlates by gender, SV perpetration vs. victimization, and type of SV. This uniquely contributes to the existing literature by (a) focusing on mental health and substance use correlates of SV among college students, (b) including both SV victimization and perpetration, and (c) comparing the strength of correlates by gender, perpetration vs. victimization, and type of SV.MethodsWe conducted a meta-analysis of 101 studies meeting inclusion criteria of U.S. college samples published between January 2000 and April 2019 and calculated Q-statistics to compare differences in strength of correlates.ResultsNine mental health factors were positively associated with SV victimization (e.g., suicidal ideation). SV victimization and perpetration were positively associated with substance use. No significant differences were found comparing strength of correlate by gender or perpetration vs. victimization experience. PTSD, drug use, and alcohol were more strongly associated with certain types of SV than others.ConclusionsIn association with SV, mental health and substance use are serious considerations for individuals and organizations serving college students.Policy ImplicationsIt is important for these institutions to respond to reports of SV in a trauma-informed way, increase the accessibility and quality of on-campus mental health services available to SV survivors of all genders, and make the campus community aware of the resources are available.