"How I Learned About Consent": Influences of research-based theatre on sexual consent attitudes.

Abstract

Background: This paper evaluates the effectiveness of sexual consent promotion research-based theatre (RbT) as a sexual violence and harassment prevention intervention through sexual consent attitude change.

Methods: Two quantitative studies were conducted: one with higher education students attending The Kinds of Sex You Might Have at College; the other with secondary school pupils attending How I Learned About Consent. Pre- and post-performance surveys were analysed using paired t-tests and multiple linear regressions to assess attitudinal changes and predictors.

Results: Quantitative analysis revealed significant improvements in sexual consent attitudes. Theatrical experience and demographic factors, including age and gender, were key predictors of attitudinal shifts.

Conclusions: Research-based theatre is a promising medium for sex-positive sexuality education, fostering attitudinal change while minimizing traumatisation. Future work should explore long-term impacts and integrate mixed methods for deeper insights.