Prevalence of unwanted sexual experiences and their associations on university students in the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland: a systematic review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Whilst prevalence rates of unwanted sexual experiences (USEs) and their association on Higher Education Institution students have been extensively researched for decades in the United States of America (US), there is a dearth of published studies on this topic in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland. The current study reviewed existing peer-reviewed and specific grey literature on USEs from these countries between 2000 and January 2023 (n = 48) to determine (1) prevalence rates, (2) most prevalent act, and (3) impacts of USEs on higher education students. It is evident from the included studies that prevalence rates of USE are wide ranging, with rates from 7% to 86% (Coulter & Rankin. (2020). College sexual assault and campus climate for sexual- and gender-minority undergraduate students. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 35(5-6), 1351–1366; Lorenz et al. (2019). Graduate student experiences with sexual harassment and academic and social (Dis)engagement in higher education. Journal of Women and Gender in Higher Education, 12(2), 205–223). However, findings were difficult to synthesise due to variations in definitions and measurements utilised. Students report mental health and substance use following a USE. The review concludes by providing recommendations for future research, practice, and policy. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT This article will have wider reaching implications for research, practice, and policy in the UK and Ireland by outlining the pressing need for empirical research on USEs and the associated impacts of such among higher education institution (HEI) students in the UK and Ireland. Further, the findings from this study highlight the importance for evidence-based prevention programmes and campaigns within these regions when tackling this issue on university campuses.