Repercussions of Rejecting Unwanted Advances: Gender Differences in Experience and Concern

Abstract

Here we investigated how a history of experiencing unwanted advances—both sexual and romantic—impact a person’s stress and strategies when rejecting future advances. In this study (N = 465; 71% women), women reported experiencing unwanted advances earlier in life compared to men, and these women were more likely to have greater worry over such advances. Additionally, women tended to worry more than men about the repercussions of rejecting these advances (e.g., being hit, being yelled at). Lastly, women were more likely to employ a myriad of strategies (e.g., run away, call a friend) to ensure their safety when rejecting an advance. In contrast, men were more likely to remain friends with the rejected person. Ultimately, women have to deal with rejecting advances at an early age and this early onset has consequences for future dating.

Keywords:

• Gender differences
• flirtation
• romantic rejection
• well-being

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

Preparation of this manuscript was supported in part by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and grant T32AA025877 (PI: Robert Cook) from NIAAA.