Unintentional Misreporting on Self-Report Measures of Sexually Aggressive Behavior: An Interview Study

Abstract

The development of effective sexual aggression prevention programs for men relies on data garnered from studies using self-report measures of sexual aggression perpetration. However, few studies have focused on understanding and improving self-report measures of sexual aggression perpetration. The current study used open-ended interviews to explore the nature and frequency of community men’s (N = 34) unintentional misreporting—including both overreporting and underreporting—on two self-report measures of sexual aggression perpetration: the Sexual Experiences Survey–Long Form Perpetration (SES-LFP; Koss et al., 2007) and the Sexual Strategies Scale (SSS; Strang, Peterson, Hill, & Heiman, 2013a). Item misinterpretation led to both overreporting and underreporting of sexual aggression, although underreporting was more common. Men’s interpretations of items, decision-making processes, and reasons for producing discrepant reports across measures were analyzed and discussed. Results could help inform efforts to refine self-report measurement of men’s sexual aggression.

Notes

¹ Although this participant refers to “blackmail,” the SES-LFP does not include this word in the items assessing verbal coercion. The SES-LFP does ask about sexual acts obtained by “threatening to end the relationship” or “threatening to spread rumors about them,” which could potentially be considered emotional or social blackmail.