Gender Differences in Responses to Sexual Coercion

Abstract

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Gender differences
• gender roles
• sexual coercion
• victimization

Notes

^a1 = not at all, 2 = a little, 3 = Somewhat, 4 = quite a lot, 5 = very much.