Campus Pride Index Success Corresponds to Lower Risk of Intimate Partner Violence for LGBQ+ Students

SHARE Study of 11,000+ College Students Links High CPI Rating with Lower Risk Factors

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 22, 2023 — Findings in the Student Health Adjustment & Relationship Experiences (SHARE) study have shown a relationship between the Campus Pride Index scores for campuses and LGBQ+ students’ risks of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Campus Pride Index data was used as a measure of campus climate in the SHARE study, which examined the relationship between stigma experienced by LGBQ+ college students’ and social, emotional, psychological, and behavioral factors that may increase risk for IPV. A one-page brief of the findings is available at CampusPride.org/SHAREstudy.

Researchers Dr. Katie M. Edwards of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Dr. Heather Littleton of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs conducted the study over three years, interviewing more than 11,000 students and 4,000 faculty, staff, and administrators at 18 public universities in the U.S. Campus Pride provided researchers with a data set of Campus Pride Index scores for the chosen colleges and universities, with the granted permission of those institutions.

The researchers evaluated the relationship between campus climate—as indicated by the Campus Pride Index scores—and six other factors: self-stigma (e.g., shame), identity concealment (i.e., not being out), on campus social support, hazardous drinking, affective symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety), and experiences of IPV (i.e., psychological, physical or sexual abuse or coercion).

The study found that students at schools with higher scores on the Campus Pride Index—reflecting the presence of LGBTQ-friendly features on campus—were less likely to experience self-stigma and more likely to be out. Meanwhile, when LGBQ+ students experienced higher rates of self-stigma, they also reported more affective symptoms and hazardous drinking—both of which were linked to higher likelihood of IPV.

“The SHARE study’s findings show that a campus climate that welcomes and supports LGBQ+ students may reduce risks for depression, anxiety, alcohol misuse and ultimately experiences with intimate partner violence victimization and perpetration,” said researcher Dr. Katie M. Edwards. “The Campus Pride Index provides a consistent gauge that colleges and universities can use to assess their campus climate and find areas where they can improve, to provide the safest environment for LGBQ+ students.”

“The SHARE study findings documented what LGBTQ+ campus leaders intuitively know: inclusiveness and support on campuses directly relates to the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ students,” said Campus Pride Founder, CEO and Executive Director Shane Mendez Windmeyer. “Where queer students are welcomed and affirmed, they are less likely to feel shame, anxiety and depression, and they are more likely to live openly and authentically—positively impacting their academic life and wellbeing.”

“Thanks to the SHARE study, we know that campus climate can have serious impacts on mental health, substance use, and IPV risk,” said Windmeyer. “The Campus Pride Index offers a proven metric of campus climate, so that prospective students can be informed about the support—and risks—they are likely to experience on campus.”

The Campus Pride Index, created in 2007, is the premier national benchmark for LGBTQ+ inclusion in higher education. Colleges and universities receive scores based on voluntary self-reporting on an 80+ item assessment tool that asks about specific LGBTQ-friendly features, such as a non-discrimination statement inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, faculty and staff training on sexual orientation and gender identity, LGBTQ-specific major and course offerings, and an LGBTQ & ally student organization. Any college or university can opt-in to be listed on the Campus Pride Index; the first step is to visit CampusPrideIndex.org/GetListed.

The SHARE study was funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation and was supported by data from Campus Pride. A peer-reviewed publication of these findings is forthcoming.

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ABOUT CAMPUS PRIDE AND THE CAMPUS PRIDE INDEX
Since 2001, Campus Pride has been the leading national organization dedicated to building future LGBTQ and ally leaders and creating safer communities at colleges and universities. The Campus Pride Index was created by Campus Pride in 2007 and remains the premier national benchmark for LGBTQ+ inclusion in higher education. The 80+ item assessment tool measures LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs and practices across campuses in the United States. Learn more at CampusPrideIndex.org.