Key Social Norms Take-aways Misperceived social norms play a central role in shaping adolescents’ attitudes and behaviors related to sexual violence and HIV risk. Adolescents in this study frequently overestimated peers’ acceptance of harmful behaviors (e.g., sexual violence, rigid gender norms) and underestimated prosocial norms (e.g., willingness to intervene, belief in survivors). These misperceptions create a context in which harmful behaviors appear more socially acceptable than they are. Correcting such misalignments through normative feedback can reduce pressure to conform to perceived harmful norms, while accurately perceived but still risky norms require complementary strategies focused on strengthening individual skills and agency.
Objectives The study aimed to inform the development of the Schools Championing Safe South Africa intervention by identifying key social norms and norm misperceptions related to sexual violence and HIV risk among adolescents, and by determining how these norms could be targeted through both normative and behavioral intervention strategies.
Methods Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey with 1,431 adolescents aged 13–19 across three South African high schools. The study used a social ecological framework to assess individual behaviors, perceived peer norms, and broader social influences. Social norms were measured using validated scales, including the Sexual Social Norms Inventory, Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale, and Gender-Equitable Men Scale. Misperceptions were identified by comparing perceived norms with self-reported behaviors, with a discrepancy threshold of 20% or more indicating meaningful misalignment.
Intervention Details The resulting intervention integrates two components: (1) a school-wide social norms campaign using posters and messaging to highlight accurate, prosocial peer norms (e.g., high rates of support for bystander intervention and respect for consent), and (2) a classroom-based curriculum grounded in the Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills model, which builds adolescents’ knowledge, motivation, and practical skills related to consent communication, healthy relationships, and HIV prevention (e.g., condom negotiation and use).
Results Findings revealed high rates of sexual violence perpetration and substantial norm misperceptions. For example, adolescents underestimated peer support for bystander intervention (48% perceived vs. 79% actual) and belief in survivors (49% vs. 83% actual), while overestimating acceptance of harmful gender norms. In contrast, HIV-related protective behaviors, such as condom use, were both relatively common and accurately perceived, indicating fewer norm misalignments in this domain.
Conclusions The study demonstrates that combining social norms correction with skill-building approaches is critical for addressing overlapping risks of sexual violence and HIV. Interventions must address both misperceived norms that sustain harmful behaviors and accurately perceived norms that still require enhanced individual capacity to translate positive attitudes into consistent, protective actions.