An Evaluation of a Multi-Level LGBTQ Bystander Intervention for College Athletics: A Pilot Study

This mixed methods pilot study explored the impact of a multi-level bystander intervention training for collegiate athletes, coaches, and athletic department staff. The trainings consisted of three components: 1) education about constructs relevant to being an ally to the LGBTQ community; 2) engagement in self-reflective activities to raise awareness and decrease the influence of prejudicial beliefs and biases about the LGBTQ community; and 3) training on preventative actions and bystander intervention strategies specific to stopping LGBTQ-related bias. Quantitative data were collected through online pretest and posttest surveys (prior to the intervention and 12 weeks following the intervention; N = 267 student athletes and N = 125 coaches and athletic department staff), as well as from formative evaluation surveys collected at the end of each training (N = 190 student athletes and N = 175 coaches and athletic department staff). The qualitative data were obtained through interviews with coaches, athletic department staff, and a student athlete (N =18). Based on repeated-measures t tests and thematic analysis, the results of this pilot study provide initial support for the use of such an intervention to improve the athletic department climate for LGBTQ student athletes and staff within the context of collegiate athletics.