Gender Differences in Responses to Sexual Coercion

Recent research has indicated that, although females comprise the majority of sexual assault victims, males may experience sexual coercion by a partner at a similar rate. This study of 734 college undergraduate students explores not only the frequency of sexual coercion victimization but the emotional responses to it. This study reveals that males and females report similar levels of victimization. However, females have more negative reactions to the experience. A large percentage of males report a positive emotional reaction to having been sexually coerced. This study explores possible explanations for these differences
Author: 
Kernsmith,Poco D.
Kernsmith,Roger M.
Notes: 
IS
Reprint Status: 
NOT IN FILE
Start Page: 
902
End Page: 
914
Journal/Periodical Name: 
Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Volume: 
19
Abstract: 
This study examined how prior abuse or victimization impacted reactions to sexual coercion with 732 undergraduate males and females from 2 Midwestern universities. Females reported higher coercion victimization on both the lies and obligation scales than males. Common emotional responses by females included: anger, being turned off, irritated, and disappointed. Males were more likely to report positive emotional responses to coercion. The most common emotional response reported by males were mixed feelings and ambivalence. Those who experienced more sexual coercion, intimate partner violence, and prior sexual abuse were more likely to report negative responses. The findings suggest that prevention programs should include skills building about healthy communication and boundaries and programs should be gender-neutral.
Topic Areas: 
male/female relationships, coercion, perpetration, secondary victimization
Reference Type: 
JOUR
Reference ID: 
2615
Publication Date: 
2009