As University of Illinois-Chicago students gather for the fall term, Julie Weitlauf figures to be boosting spirits for more than a few of them.
Weitlauf teaches a self-defense class for women that covers both physical skills and mental preparedness. A study she conducted while still a graduate student at the University of Washington in Seattle shows the course curriculum has a “generalizing effect” that increases a sense of self worth along with self-defense abilities.
The research contradicts a theory that self-defense classes teach women to become more hostile and aggressive. Weitlauf and colleagues said their findings in a study of 80 women ages 18 to 23 showed more assertiveness but less hostility and aggressiveness. Most of the subjects were concerned about physical attacks; about 40 percent carried mace or pepper spray products, but had little idea how to use them before taking the course.
“Personal safety is a relevant issue for college students, especially since many of them are living away from home for the first time,” said Weitlauf, a doctoral student in UIC’s psychology department. “They are feeling less safe than ever. The course teaches protection skills, but also gives students the perception of being able to care of themselves.”
In contrast, another recent study showed college women who learned how to use a handgun experienced no such ripple effect. They showed heightened physical ability for using the weapon but did not test any higher for emotional characteristics such as confidence or sense of control.
“Our course definitely includes skills training,” explained Weitlauf. “But there is a psycho-educational element. We are getting people ready to do something to defend themselves, whether it is physical or verbal or simply thinking ahead.”
Weitlauf’s six-week, 12-hour course teaches the basics of three martial arts kicks, two hand-strike movements and a variety of resistance moves, including how to escape a chokehold. She uses karate and aikido as the foundation for instruction. Students also practice verbal skills (one exercise is yelling “no”) and learn to analyze possible dangerous situations.
“Some women are comfortable being physical and assertive,” Weitlauf said. “Others are less so. This course helps all students get a realistic picture of what’s out there. It might make a few women more anxious about their surroundings, but there’s a good number who feel less stressed because they had an inflated idea of personal danger. Plus, they are getting the skills to go along with information.”
Daniel Cervone, associate professor of psychology at UIC, helped Weitlauf conduct the University of Washington study. He will be supervising Weitlauf during a similar research project at UIC.
Cervone said the course benefits women in different ways. “It might show up as improved interpersonal skills, asking for what you need. Some find they perform better on the job or in school. We want to learn more about that in the new study.”
The course includes relevant facts to help women stay aware, particularly when it is most tempting to let down your guard.
“Assault statistics show you can be most unsafe in your own neighborhood and life,” she said. “In more than half of reported rape cases, the rapist is an acquaintance.”
In a new book, “How to be Safe in an Unsafe World” (Crown, $25), authors Dr. Harold H. Bloomfield and Robert K. Cooper advise that any dangerous situation or confrontation can be lessened with a split-second pause. This allows one to more clearly assess a situation, not panic or freeze, and “sense the line or core channel of attacking energy.”
The authors contend this split-second of calmness can be learned as a form of relaxation technique, then stored in the brain for future use. They also recommend other ways to be safer:
– Don’t yell “help.” Scream words like “fire” instead. Statistics show bystanders are less likely to lend a hand when someone yells “help.”
– Avoid asking questions of an assailant that begin with “what” or “why” — such as “What are you doing?” or “Why are you hurting me?” It only provokes more hostility.
– Women might think about placing a few male “props” in their cars, such as a baseball cap, necktie or men’s basketball shoes.
– If there is a break-in at your home or office, or you sense an intruder, do not enter.
“Of course, self-defense is only an empowerment tool and not a solution,” said Weitlauf. “We still need to find ways to stop violence in our society rather than just protect ourselves from it.”
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