Evaluation of an Empowerment Self-Defense Program Among Middle School Youth on a Rural Reservation

Indigenous girls experience alarmingly high rates of sexual violence (SV). In the only known study to evaluate the prevention of SV among Indigenous adolescent girls, IMpower, an empowerment self-defense (ESD) program, was found to be efficacious (e.g., reduced SV by 80%). In the current open pilot trial, we extended this previous work to examine the promise of the IMpower-ESD program on intermediary and secondary outcomes among middle school girls in another tribal community. Given previous research demonstrated the efficacy in reducing SV and goals of this open pilot trial, we focused on intermediary (e.g., self-defense knowledge) and secondary (e.g., educational and career success) outcomes only. The study took place on a rural tribal reservation in the Northern Great Plains. Participants were 69 middle school youth (82.6% Indigenous; 55.1% Indigenous only, and 27.5% multiracial), ranging in age from 10 to 14 years old. Over 90% identified as girls; gender minority youth were welcomed to attend. Youth completed surveys before and approximately 3 weeks after participating in IMpower as well as surveys after each session. Attendance and fidelity were also assessed. On average, the mean number of sessions attended was 3.72 (SD = 1.87, range: 0–6). Fidelity was high (M = 97.86%). Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses on the post-session surveys found that the program was acceptable and perceived as impactful (e.g., empowering). In relation to promise on outcomes using t-tests, confidence in resisting an attacker and knowledge of effective self-defense skills increased. In addition, emotional awareness and commitment to education/career success increased. There were no observed changes in connection to culture, depressive symptoms, or in two out of three domains of empowerment; one domain of empowerment (self-love) decreased. These promising findings shed light on additional outcomes, such as emotional awareness and educational/career commitment, that IMpower may impact.