The Relationship Between Sexual Assault Victimization and Academic Outcomes Among Sexual Minority College Students: The Role of Campus Climate and Social Support

Abstract

Research has established that sexual assault is a persistent social problem among college students. Throughout the last decade, research has found that sexual minority college students disproportionately experience sexual assault in the college context, compared to heterosexual students. While potential mental and physical health consequences of sexual assault are well-documented in the literature, less is known about the academic outcomes. Further, few studies have accounted for other variables to better understand the nuances of this relationship. This cross-sectional study investigates how sexual assault victimization and other factors (i.e., campus climate, institutional response, and social support) are associated with academic outcomes. Participants were recruited via paid Facebook and Instagram social media advertisements. The sample included 241 sexual minority college students in the United States. Linear regression analysis was used to assess how different factors were associated with academic outcomes among this sample. Results from this study indicate that when accounting for other factors, the higher level of social support, a stronger sense of inclusion, and the more trust they felt in their campus’s ability to respond to a report of sexual assault in a fair and just way all uniquely predicted a stronger commitment to continue their education at their current college or university. Students who experienced sexual assault in college and lower levels of social support uniquely predicted lower levels of focus on their current academics. These findings have real-world implications for campus administrators, policy makers, and advocates. Campus investment in inclusive practices and programming, as well as support for sexual minority students, may significantly benefit academic outcomes for this population. Also, building trust in campus responses to sexual assault may positively influence the academic path of students. And finally, the well-being of survivors may be further supported through accessible academic supports and accommodations from staff who work in this area.