Effects of Duration on Perceptions of Teacher Sexual Misconduct

ABSTRACT

This study explored how respondent gender, gender dyad (male teacher–female student versus female teacher–male student) and duration/frequency (weekly sexual contact over 4 months versus a single incident) affected perceptions of teacher–adolescent student sexual involvement. Respondents were 224 undergraduates (104 men, 120 women) recruited from a psychology research pool. Most (87%) were 18–21 years old, and 59% were Caucasian. Each respondent read one of four scenarios (varied by gender dyad and duration/frequency) depicting a teacher–adolescent student sexual interaction and then completed a series of questions about his or her perceptions. Results indicated that men perceived these experiences less negatively than did women, and the female teacher–male student dyad was viewed less negatively than the male teacher–female student dyad. Relatively few significant interactions emerged, and the only main effect for duration/frequency was for commitment. Results are discussed in terms of the need for more research and education.

KEYWORDS:

• Adolescent
• gender issues
• legal issues
• sexual abuse

Notes

¹ These items reflect those used in the male teacher/female student scenario. Pronouns, etc., were changed for the other scenarios.

* These items are reversed scored.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mary Ellen Fromuth

Mary Ellen Fromuth, PhD, is a professor in the Psychology Department at Middle Tennessee State University. Her primary research interests are in child sexual and emotional abuse.

David B. Kelly

David B. Kelly, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who teaches at Middle Tennessee State University. His research has focused on chronic self-destructive behaviors, substance abuse, and psychological assessment.

Courtney Brallier

Courtney Brallier received her BA in psychology from Middle Tennessee State University. She is graduate student in the School Psychology program at Middle Tennessee State University.

Matthew Williams

Matthew Williams received his BS from Northeastern University and is currently in a pharmacology master’s program at Tulane University.

Kate Benson

Kate Benson received her MA in clinical psychology from Middle Tennessee State University. She is now a Lifestyle Management Health Coach at Healthways, Inc.