Perceptions of sexual coercion in heterosexual dating relationships: the role of aggressor gender and tactics.

Full Abstract

A large body of research has found a concerning prevalence rate of sexual coercion in heterosexual college student dating relationships; however, little research has examined how college students perceive and interpret these behaviors. In the current study we examined the impact of initiator gender and sexually coercive strategy (verbal pressure, purposeful intoxication, physical force, or control/mutual consent) on perceptions of the aggressor, victim, behavior, and relationship quality. Results indicated that men who coerce are viewed as aggressive; women who coerce are viewed as promiscuous. Targets of sexual coercion are not perceived as experiencing high levels of victimization following the incident. These findings suggest that college students do not perceive sexually coercive behaviors to be highly problematic. The results are discussed in terms of gender roles and practical implications for college student relationships.

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Author information

Author/s: Oswald, Debra L (DL); Russel, Brenda L (BL);

Affiliation: Marquette University, Department of Psychology, P.O. 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA. debra.oswald(-atsign-)marquette.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of sex research (J Sex Res), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Feb; vol 43 (issue 1) : pp 87-95

Dates: Created 2006/07/03; Completed 2006/09/13;

PMID: 16817071, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Aggression - psychology
Coercion
Coitus - psychology
Dominance-Subordination
Female
Humans
Interpersonal Relations

Interpersonal Relations
Male
Questionnaires
Sexual Partners - psychology
Social Perception
Stereotyping
Students - statistics & numerical data

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