Use of Social Network Analysis to Identify Popular Opinion Leaders for a Youth-Led Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative

Abstract

In the current article, we describe an innovative sexual violence (SV) prevention initiative that used social network analysis to identify youth and adult popular opinion leaders who were subsequently trained in best practices in SV prevention (e.g., bystander intervention) at a kickoff event (i.e., camp) of the initiative. We provide information on recruitment strategies, participation rates and how those rates varied by some demographic factors, reasons for nonattendance, the initial impact of the camp, and lessons learned. Despite challenges with youth and adult engagement, this innovative approach has the potential to transform the way we approach SV prevention among youth.

The stability of youth popular opinion leaders selected over time using social network analysis

“…This study has direct implications for researchers and practitioners aiming to use social network analysis in youth interventions to identify influential youth. This type of intervention is increasingly used to improve a variety of youth health outcomes (Edwards et al, 2021; Hunter et al, 2019; Valente, 2012).…”

“…Social network interventions use social networks strategically to improve community health outcomes (Valente, 2012). These interventions are increasingly popular in multiple domains related to youth health such as sexual health, tobacco and other substance use, and more recently, sexual violence prevention (Edwards et al, 2021; Hunter et al, 2019). These interventions often involve choosing influential individuals from social network data, also known as popular opinion leaders (POLs), who then act as champions for the intervention, with the aim that changes in health behaviors or attitudes of these influential individuals will influence the whole network (Valente, 2012).…”

Using photovoice to understand and amplify youth voices to prevent sexual and relationship violence

“…Participants represented four middle and two different high schools in the community. All but one of the youth participated in SRV prevention activities that were part of a larger funded project to evaluate a youth‐led SRV prevention program (these included overnight camps to train youth as prevention leaders, out of school meetings during which youth met to discuss and teach other youth about various SRV primary prevention strategies including social norms campaigns; see Edwards et al, in press‐b and Waterman et al, under review, for more details on programming). All youth were part of a community where community agencies and the school district partnered to raise SRV awareness through action events (e.g., painted murals in downtown showcasing prevention messages).…”

Attendance at a Community-Based, After School, Youth-Led Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative

“…Furthermore, given the large presence of Native American youth in the community in which Youth VIP took place, Lakota culture and traditions were integrated throughout various programming components. For an in-depth process evaluation and programming description, see Waterman et al, 2021. For quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of retreats and other community events, see Banyard et al, 2022;Edwards et al, 2021.…”