A test of the mate deprivation hypothesis of sexual coercion

Abstract

According to the mate deprivation hypothesis of sexual coercion, males are more likely to use sexually coercive tactics if they are disadvantaged in gaining access to desirable mates. This hypothesis was tested in a sample of 156 young, heterosexual, mostly single men enrolled in a Canadian university. Differential access to mates was indexed by self-perceived mating success, self-reported sexual history, and relative earning potential. Sexual coercion was assessed using the Koss's sexual experiences survey. Results did not support the hypothesis: men who identified themselves as sexually coercive tended to have higher self-perceived mating success, had significantly more extensive sexual histories, and did not report lower relative earning potential. Coercive men reported a greater preference for partner variety and casual sex. Sexual strategy theory is used to propose two alternative models of sexual coercion.