Perceptions of Resistance to Unwanted Sexual Advances

Abstract

In this study we investigated which response strategies used by females against unwanted sexual advances were more likely to be interpreted as token resistance. Male and female participants were given one of seven brief scenarios which varied the type of response to an unwanted sexual advance. The participants were asked to indicate the extent to which they thought the female wanted the male to stop his advances. Also, they were asked to attribute positive and negative feelings to the female. Finally, the participants were given the Rape Myth Acceptance Scale. As predicted, the results indicated that for both males and females, the more salient and direct responses were less likely to be interpreted as token resistance. These responses also resulted in less positive feelings and more negative feelings being attributed to the female in that situation. Also, male participants whose scores on the Rape Myth Acceptance Scale indicated beliefs consistent with rape myths were more likely to interpret a female's response as token resistance.