Development of the Bystander Attitude and Behavior Scales for Gender-Based and Oppressive Violence with University Faculty

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to develop and explore the factor structure of university faculty-focused bystander attitude and behavior measures regarding gender-based violence and to expand on the inclusion of oppressive behaviors in these measures. An online survey was administered to a convenience sample of 167 faculty from a university in the US. Two scales, Faculty Bystander Attitude Scale (FBAS) and Faculty Bystander Behavior Scale (FBBS), were developed to assess faculty bystander attitudes and behaviors. After exploratory factor analysis, the 27-item FBBS successfully loaded on three factors and, after eliminating two items, the 25-item FBAS successfully loaded on three factors. A confirmatory factor analysis will be a useful next step in confirming the factor structure of the modified measures. Faculty specific bystander attitude and behavior scales are necessary to assess the efficacy of violence prevention programming for faculty. These scales can also be incorporated into campus climate surveys to determine faculty’s willingness to intervene when they witness behaviors along the continuum of violence.