Thesis Title: Associations between hegemonic masculinity, sexual assault victimization, and alcohol use in men college students who engage in heavy episodic drinking.

Student Concentration: Health Promotion & Behavior

Thesis Chair: Dr. Amanda Gilmore

Thesis Abstract: Sexual assault victimization (SAV) is a major, ongoing public health crisis. In addition to sexual violence, excessive alcohol use and the consequences associated with it are considered public health issues. Masculinity is understood as the performance of ‘masculine’ traits attributed to the male gender identity. Hegemonic masculinity is the framework links the adverse outcomes discussed above such as sexual assault perpetration and victimization, increased drinking and associated consequences to public health. This study aims to examine any associations between SAV and alcohol use moderated by masculinity. Subjects, ages 18-25 and enrolled as full-time students, were recruited from two universities to participate in an alcohol and sexual assault prevention program (n = 365). There were significant associations between masculinity and more alcohol use, and SAV and more alcohol use. However, the interaction between these variables was not significant. These findings demonstrate a need for alcohol-centered interventions that target this demographic that address adherence to hegemonic masculinity and acknowledging men as a unique population for sexual violence research.