Perceived conflict patterns and relationship quality associated with verbal sexual coercion by male dating partners.

Full Abstract

The study of verbal sexual coercion in heterosexual relationships is controversial because nonphysical coercive tactics are often viewed as socially acceptable. It was hypothesized that, within couples, verbal sexual coercion will occur within a larger context of destructive conflict tactics and diminished relationship quality. Female undergraduates in consensually sexual dating relationships (N = 193) provided self-report data on male partner verbal sexual coercion perceived conflict behaviors, and relationship quality. About 21% reported current partner verbal sexual coercion. Results reveal positive associations between feeling pressured into unwanted sex and perceptions of partner psychological abuse and destructive verbal conflict patterns. Also as expected, partner verbal sexual coercion is negatively associated with relationship satisfaction and sexual functioning. The authors conclude that women's experiences of verbal sexual coercion in heterosexual relationships may reflect broader problems in the dyadic context.

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Author information

Author/s: Katz, Jennifer (J); Myhr, Laura (L);

Affiliation: State University of New York, College at Geneseo.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of interpersonal violence (J Interpers Violence), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Jun; vol 23 (issue 6) : pp 798-814

Dates: Created 2008/05/02; Completed 2008/07/22;

PMID: 18272722, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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.

Adult
Aggression - psychology
Conflict (Psychology)
Courtship
Dominance-Subordination
Female
Humans
Male

Male
Power (Psychology)
Questionnaires
Risk Factors
Sexual Partners - psychology
Social Perception
Students - psychology
Verbal Behavior

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