Sexual Aggression Research Articles

Silent Crisis: Examining the Alarming Trend of Violence against Teachers in Moroccan High Schools

In learning environments where knowledge is produced, and futures are shaped, a growing epidemic remains largely hidden from the public view, which is violence against teachers. Teachers confront a multitude of challenges in the classroom including the difficult reality of experiencing violence at the hands of their own students. Such acts of aggression, whether overt or subtle, destabilize the holiness of the educational environment and destroy the trust and respect that are essential for effective teaching and learning. Using both the quantitative and qualitative approaches, this article aims to shed light on the frequency, causes, and consequences of violence against teachers. Furthermore, this article explores the various forms of aggression teachers encounter, with a focus on the most targeted gender. The findings reveal that school violence is a pervasive issue that occurs daily in various forms including verbal, physical, psychological, behavioral, and sexual aggression against teachers. Contrary to common assumptions, the study revealed that this phenomenon is not influenced by teachers’ gender. Key contributing factors include students’ academic struggles, exposure to violence, lack of morals, media influence, peer pressure, and acts of revenge. Additionally, teacher-related factors, such as weak personalities, humiliation of students, and criticism, exacerbate the problem. The consequences of such violence are profound as it leaves teachers feeling insecure, altering their behavior, reducing interactions with students, and diminishing their self-esteem. In severe cases, this leads to absenteeism or even resignation. Given the alarming nature of these findings, this article advocates for proactive measures to address the issue and create a safe, supportive, and violence-free environment in Moroccan schools.

The Predictive Value of Criminogenic Needs on Institutional Misconduct in a Dutch Forensic Hospital.

According to the Risk-Need-Responsivity model, criminogenic needs are important in predicting violent behavior. Eight criminogenic needs are considered strong predictors: history of antisocial behavior, antisocial personality traits, criminal attitudes, criminal associates, substance abuse, family problems, poor work performance, and lack of involvement in prosocial leisure/recreation activities. The purpose of the current study was to examine whether seven criminogenic needs predict institutional misconduct in the first year of admission of Dutch patients who were admitted to a forensic hospital. Hospital records of 234 male patients were used to retrieve criminogenic needs assessed with the HCR-20V3, with exception of criminal associates which was coded based on file review. The frequency of institutional misconduct was rated for verbal aggression, physical aggression, and sexual aggression. Exploratory analyses examined whether there was a (predictive) relation between psychopathy facets (PCL-R factors) and HCR-20V3 clinical and risk management scales, and institutional misconduct. This study finds that criminogenic needs did not predict physical and sexual institutional misconduct, but a history of antisocial behavior and criminal attitudes were negative predictors for verbal aggression. Psychopathy facets and HCR-20V3 scales did not predict institutional misconduct.

Socio-Legal Aspects Related to Violence Against Women and the Family Group: A Review from the Optic of the SDG

Objective: to analyze the socio-legal aspects related to violence against women and the family group under the focus of SDGs 5 and 16 focused on gender equality, peace and justice. Theoretical Framework: Violence against women is a serious problem in many countries; Sexual aggression is one of the most common forms of violence against women. Method: It was guided by a qualitative approach with a systematic review design; The population and sample are comprised of 19 articles, which were extracted from the databases of SCOPUS, Scielo, DOAJ and others, requiring the entry of the descriptors "Violence against women, "violence" and "violence against the family group " and " Socio-legal aspects related to violence". Results and Discussion: After the review and analysis of the articles were obtained as results that the social aspects, such as the consumption of substances and the economic situation, prevailed in the studied cases; Furthermore, the level of violence reached a high level, where the prevalent types of violence were psychological and physical. Research Implications: Accordingly, it is concluded that aspects socio-legal issues related to violence against women and the family group must be recognized opportunely by the states with the purpose of working through policies, intervention plans, political strategies, etc. Originality/Value: The innovative character of this study also lies in its proposal to consider on the ground the legal response to these phenomena, as well as the social aspects that aggravate or perpetuate them, thus promoting a more complete and holistic analysis of the problem. In order to highlight the need for a timely recognition of these aspects by the States, the investigation proposes a path towards the implementation of effective public policies that address violence from a socio-legal perspective, combining prevention, intervention and legal regulation strategies.

The number of brood parasite visits affects subsequent aggression towards the parasite dummy in host males, but not in females

Aggression towards brood parasites is an important component of host frontline defences. Hosts sometimes adjust this behaviour based on their previous experience with the parasites. Here, we explore whether host aggression towards the parasite dummy is affected by (1) the number of parasite visits prior to the dummy experiment and (2) the time elapsed since the last parasite visit (both identified from continuous video-recordings of host nests). As a model species, we used the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus), which is a major host of the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus). At our study site, this host shows high aggression towards the cuckoo and experiences high parasitism rates. We found that the hosts increased their aggression towards the parasite dummy with increasing number of previous parasite visits. Moreover, the hosts retained aggression at high levels if the last parasite visit occurred recently. However, these behavioural patterns were or tended to be significant only in host males. Our findings underscore the importance of individual experience in shaping host aggression towards brood parasites, at least in the more aggressive sex. Therefore, we recommend considering the information on prior host‒parasite interactions when planning dummy experiments, because it may contribute to a deeper understanding of the variability in host defences against brood parasitism.

Beliefs and attitudes about men's alcohol-related sexual harassment and aggression (BAMASHA): Development and initial validation of a new scale.

Men's perpetration of sexual violence (SV) toward women in drinking venues is a pervasive yet understudied phenomenon with significant downstream consequences for women. Although men's negative attitudes and beliefs toward women play an important role in SV, current attitude measures are limited in that they do not focus on SV specific to drinking contexts, thereby precluding understandings of SV in this context. As such, we developed and evaluated a measure of beliefs and attitudes about men's alcohol-related sexual harassment and aggression (BAMASHA) toward women in drinking venues to better understand this ubiquitous problem. Young heterosexual men (N = 330, Mage = 22.66, SD = 2.09) completed an online survey that included 82 BAMASHA items developed to assess eight theoretical dimensions/sub-dimensions derived from past research. The survey also measured sexual aggression perpetration in drinking venues and well-established correlates of SV including drinking patterns, rape myth acceptance, hostility toward women, stereotypes about drinking women, and alcohol expectancies regarding sexual behavior. Item analysis resulted in a 24-item inventory with exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggesting a unidimensional factor structure. The resultant measure and its 12-item short form also explained sexual aggression perpetration toward women in drinking venues when controlling for associated constructs. Findings underscore the unique contributions of the BAMASHA for sexual aggression perpetration and its utility in the context of drinking venues compared to measures of attitudes and beliefs toward SV more generally.

Dual harm among patients in the Ontario forensic mental health system.

Dual harm involves the unfortunate experience of harm to self and others/objects. Safeguarding individuals in forensic psychiatric settings against all forms of harm to self and others is sacrosanct. While understanding dual harm is crucial in the care and rehabilitation of patients in forensic psychiatric settings, only a few studies have explored this phenomenon. This study examined dual harm and its associated clinical and sociodemographic factors among forensic patients in Ontario, Canada. In this retrospective study, we used data from the Ontario Review Board (ORB) (n = 1240; mean age 42.54±3.32 years, and 85.73% male). We defined dual harm as the co-occurrence of self-harming behaviour in the last 12 months and violent behaviour towards others or objects (such as verbal, physical, or sexual aggression). We analysed the data in relation to clinical and sociodemographic factors. Of 1240 patients, 43 (3.55%) had engaged in dual harm. Most of them had engaged in dual harm related to verbal aggression (3.15%), followed by dual harm related to aggression towards objects (2.97%), dual harm related to aggression towards others (2.73%), and dual harm related to sexual aggression was the rarest (1.32%). Only 12 patients had engaged in all types of dual harm. Having a previous history of dual harm and a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder increased the chance of perpetrating/engaging in dual harm. However, increasing age and a higher education decreased the chance of dual harm. These factors were similar for different types of dual harm, except for dual harm related to sexual aggression, which was the only subtype associated with having a personality disorder diagnosis. Again, the experience of violence increased the chance of self-harm. Dual harm is present among forensic patients in Ontario, and self-harm is prevalent among individuals with various forms of aggression, especially when the violence was perpetrated towards objects. Strategies to manage the risk of self-harm among aggressive patients should be put in place to mitigate dual harm and the associated complications, especially among individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Analysis of Victim Blaming Culture in Indonesia

The culture of victim blaming in sexual violence cases is a significant problem in Indonesia, influenced by patriarchal culture and traditional norms. This study aims to analyze the influence of belief in the Just World Assumption, acceptance of Modern Rape Myths, individual moral foundations, and views on the culture of honor on victim blaming tendencies. This study used an experimental quantitative approach involving 155 participants who were selected through valid questionnaires such as the Global Belief of Just World Scale, Acceptance of Modern Myths about Sexual Aggression Scale, and Moral Foundation Questionnaire. Regression analysis showed that acceptance of Modern Rape Myths and Fairness/Reciprocity in Moral Foundation were the main predictors of victim blaming in Indonesia, while factors such as Authority/Subversion, Purity/Sanctity, and honor culture had no significant influence. The results of this study confirm the importance of a culture-based approach to reduce victim blaming culture in Indonesia, involving stakeholders such as religious leaders and the media to effectively change people's perceptions.

Interactive Effects of Anger and Alcohol Intoxication on Men's Laboratory-Based Sexual Aggression Propensity Following a Masculinity Threat.

The I3 Model posits that men are more likely to engage in sexual aggression (SA) when instigation (e.g., their masculinity is threatened) and impellance are high (e.g., high trait anger), and inhibition is low (e.g., alcohol intoxication). This study investigates the independent and interactive effects of trait anger and acute intoxication on men's SA propensity after exposure to a masculinity threat. Cisgender heterosexual men (n = 120, aged 21-30) completed a self-report measure of trait anger, were randomly assigned to consume an alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage and engaged in the Sexual Imposition Paradigm (SIP) which assessed laboratory-based SA propensity toward a female confederate. Prior to the SIP, all men's masculinity were threatened via feedback from a personality test which indicated that they were less masculine than other men. The interaction between trait anger and beverage condition was significant. When intoxicated SA propensity increased among men with higher trait anger, whereas for sober men, their SA propensity decreased with higher trait anger. Consistent with the I3 Model, individual differences in trait anger may be a critical risk factor for men's SA under the influence of alcohol. These findings have implications for intervention programming. Anger often arises as a response to feeling vulnerable, such as when men's masculinity is threatened. Thus, the integration of established, evidenced-based approaches to regulate anger into SA interventions may be a promising approach to reduce SA, particularly among men who have consumed alcohol.

The impact of Internet pornography on children and adolescents: A systematic review

Young people's exposure to online pornographic material has increased in the past years. Its impact is a complex topic but an important issue due to growing concerns. Therefore, we reviewed the literature on Internet pornography consumption and its impact on children and adolescents. Furthermore, we examined young people's thoughts about pornography and their reasons for consumption. We performed a systematic literature search in the online databases ERIC, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, and PSYNDEX for peer-reviewed articles in English, published between 2000 and 2022 and additionally identified secondary references. We could determine associations between pornography consumption and demographic variables (e.g., age, gender), personal characteristics (e.g., [sexual] sensation seeking, sexual interest and experience, general risk behavior), environmental variables (e.g., peers, family), attitudes (e.g., gender role attitudes, permissive sexual attitudes), behavior (e.g. sexual risk behaviour, sexting) and sexual aggression (e.g., sexual cybervictimization, grooming). Moreover, we found that girls have a more negative attitude towards pornography than boys who have an ambivalent opinion on the subject. Most adolescents are aware that the majority of pornographic material is exaggerated and unrealistic. Furthermore, pornography is not only watched out of curiosity and for sexual arousal but also used as a source of sexual information, especially by minority groups. Many effects that impair children's development have been documented. The results found in this review are often contradictory. Therefore, further replication studies are needed. In addition, we propose several preventive measures, e.g., sexual health education at schools for both heterosexuals and LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) people.

An Easily Accessible, Semi-Automated Approach to Creating Personalized Normative Feedback and Risk Feedback Graphics.

Personalized normative feedback interventions show efficacy in reducing health risk behaviors (e.g., alcohol use, sexual aggression). However, complex personalized normative feedback interventions may require manual methods of inputting participant data into graphics, which introduces error, and automated approaches require substantial technical costs and funding and may limit the types of feedback that can be provided. To make personalized normative feedback more accessible, we outline a method of using easily accessible software programs including IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint, to create and display complex personalized normative feedback graphics. We also describe methods through which personalized normative feedback graphics can be created within a larger preventive intervention for alcohol and sexual assault in college men. We first provide step-by-step instructions for collecting data and then creating semi-automated syntax files within SPSS and Excel to merge participant data into complex personalized normative feedback graphics in Excel. To do so, we append annotated syntax in text and in supplemental material. Next, we outline the process of creating risk feedback graphics, whereby individual items or exact wording of items are displayed back to the participant. Finally, we provide guidance regarding the process of translating graphics from Excel for viewing via PowerPoint without having to manually update PowerPoint slides for each presentation. Via the described syntax and graphic generation, researchers are then able to create semi-automated personalized normative feedback and risk feedback graphics. This tutorial may help in increasing the dissemination of complex personalized normative feedback interventions.

Can a Sex-Positive Sex Education Intervention Reduce Rape-Supportive Attitudes? Formative Research, Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, and Evaluation of Self-Selection Bias

Scholars have theorized that sex education could reduce rape-supportive attitudes even if the education doesn’t explicitly address rape. Three studies were conducted to develop and test a sex education intervention to reduce rape-supportive attitudes among college students. In Study 1, focus groups (N = 28) identified barriers to participation in rape prevention. Students noted stereotypical gender roles, simplistic messages about consent, and sex negativity as barriers. Study 2 was a pilot randomized controlled trial of a sex-positive sex education intervention (N = 115). The intervention resulted in a greater reduction in three out of five rape-supportive attitudes and a greater improvement in two out of five consent attitudes compared to the control condition, although some results were moderated by gender or prior knowledge. In Study 3, students (N = 119) self-selected into the sex education program or a relationship program. Men were more likely than women to choose the sex program. There were no differences in program selection as a function of sexual aggression history or rape-supportive attitudes, providing evidence that the sex education intervention was palatable even to individuals at risk for perpetration. These studies provide preliminary support for the use of sex education as a form of rape prevention.

Sexual Violence in Higher Education: A Critical Discourse Analysis of University Policies

AbstractAs sexual violence has become increasingly visible in public discourse, scholarly research across disciplines has begun to critically examine how such cases are handled, ranging from the investigation processes, media reporting, and how the accused and accusing parties are impacted. While much of the existing linguistic research makes an important contribution to our understanding of the role of language in interpreting and evaluating sexual violence by focusing on the narrations of specific cases, one area of discourse that remains unexamined is that which is produced by those responsible for defining sexual violence and the protocols for investigating such cases. This study examines discourse on sexual violence found in US university policies and specifically focuses on contrasts between different discourse participants (i.e., faculty and students). Findings reveal that university policies frequently produce disparate discourse for students and employees that rarely acknowledge the hierarchical nature of faculty–student relationships. Given the increasing visibility of public discourse on sexual aggression and the power that such discourse has in influencing audiences, analyzing the linguistic strategies used to construct victims and perpetrators is crucial to our understanding of the various ways that sexual violence perpetuates injustice.

Using Virtual Reality in Sexual Aggression Alcohol Administration Research: Opportunities and Challenges.

This paper explores methodological opportunities, challenges, and potential solutions for alcohol administration research that uses a virtual reality (VR) analogue for sexual aggression. We briefly review relevant sexual aggression, alcohol administration, and VR literatures. The strengths and limitations of different types of analogues are described. Most existing sexual aggression analogues use sexual assault scenarios which end the same way for all participants, who are then asked how they would respond in that situation. Studies using these analogues have produced valuable findings regarding alcohol's role in sexual aggression; however, one important limitation is that participants can distance themselves from the situation before responding. VR provides highly immersive behavioral analogues that require participants to make quick decisions; thus they are less likely to be impacted by social desirability. In VR, participants make multiple decisions based on the feedback they receive from their virtual dating partner and the ending depends on the choices they make. For example, VR analogues can allow participants to select dates who are intoxicated or to encourage their virtual dating partner to drink alcohol. Thus, researchers can model different patterns of responses and strategies used to attempt to obtain sex, which can then be used to develop interventions targeted for individuals with different types of risk profiles. There are strengths and limitations associated with all experimental proxies. The field would benefit from greater discussion of the essential elements of sexual aggression and if these vary for different types of perpetrators and situations that involve alcohol.

The influence of dark personality and pornography on sexual aggression beliefs.

Violence against women, particularly sexual violence, poses a significant public health concern. Predispositions toward perpetrating such acts often stem from the acceptance of myths that justify or deny these behaviours. This study aimed to explore how dark personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism) and pornography consumption relate to the acceptance of these myths. Surveying 598 participants, the research employed Latent Profile Analyses (LPA) to identify distinct population profiles, Additionally, regression analyses were employed to further explore the relationships among variables. Three profiles emerged, showcasing varying degrees of acceptance of sexual aggression myths. The most concerning profile, encompassing 9.2% of participants, displayed the highest alignment with these myths, alongside elevated scores in dark personality traits and pornography consumption. Notwithstanding the three profiles showed significant differences in the acceptance of these myths. Interestingly, the regression analysis highlighted that Machiavellianism stood out as the primary predictor for accepting sexual aggression myths, overshadowing the influence of pornography consumption. This emphasizes the role of personality traits in influencing attitudes towards sexual aggression myths. Moreover, implications for tailored prevention strategies, focusing on high-risk profiles, are discussed, highlighting the potential for targeted interventions to address harmful beliefs and behaviours.

Impersonal Sex and Pornography: Potential Confounding, Moderation, and Implications for Public Health

ABSTRACT Following the recent exhortations of health communication scholars to continue the study of pornography and its potential impact on health-related behaviors, the present study investigated associations between the frequency of pornography use and six indicators of impersonal sex among a national probability sample of US adults. Impersonal sex has been linked to a variety of important public health outcomes, including STD risk and sexual aggression perpetration. In this study, pornography use was positively correlated with the likelihood of engaging in group sex, having sex with a casual partner, having sex without emotional intimacy, experiencing heightened sexual pleasure during non-relational sex, relational infidelity, and perceiving the receipt of sexual pleasure from others as the best thing about sex. No evidence emerged that these associations were spuriously due to high sex drive individuals being both more likely to consume pornography and engage in impersonal sex. But several were conditional on age. Most importantly, countering the conventional wisdom that sexual media are most likely to affect the sexual behavior of young audiences, the strength of the positive association between pornography use and the likelihood of engaging in group sex and casual dyadic sex was larger among older adults and weaker among younger adults.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Bar-Staff Bystander Intervention Training Program for Reducing Sexual Aggression.

This paper explores the challenges, opportunities, and successes encountered in implementing Safer Bars, a bystander intervention training program to prevent sexual aggression in bars. The study aims to assess the feasibility of program implementation and its acceptability among bar staff and bar owners/managers. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study assessed the feasibility of Safer Bars by documenting bar participation, reasons for declination, and the time elapsed during recruitment, offering insights into experienced challenges and successes. Acceptability was gauged through post-training surveys for bar staff (N = 220) and owners/managers (N = 22), including Likert-scale questions on various aspects of the program and open-ended inquiries about the training's best aspects and potential improvements. Despite challenges in bar enrollment due to time constraints and financial considerations, the program demonstrated high acceptability among participating bars. Bar staff expressed confidence in applying acquired bystander skills, emphasizing the importance of skilled and knowledgeable trainers. The qualitative analysis of participant feedback revealed valuable insights into the practicality and reception of the intervention. The study provides data from implementation to guide upscaling Safer Bars. Despite feasibility challenges amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the program showed high acceptability among bar staff and owners/managers, indicating its potential impact on addressing sexual aggression in nightlife settings. Future efforts must consider the reality of the alcohol-serving industry and focus on innovative strategies to overcome additional industry-specific barriers to enhance program feasibility.

An experimental comparison of three phrases used to convey lack of consent: How does language affect men’s self-reports of sexual aggression against women?

An experimental comparison of three phrases used to convey lack of consent: How does language affect men’s self-reports of sexual aggression against women?

Conceptions of Consensual versus Non-Consensual Sexual Activity among Young People from Colombia.

Conceptions or ideas that couples hold about sexual consent could be a key factor in their communication, mutual respect, and the prevention of sexual violence. The multifaceted nature of sexual consent makes it a complex concept. The aim of the present study was to explore individuals' ideas and understanding of sexual intercourse in two distinct contexts: consensual and non-consensual. We used a qualitative approach, adopting the methodology of thematic analysis. In total, 113 surveys obtained from the general population (76.1% women and 23.9% men aged 18 to 59 years) were studied. Two open-ended questions were asked about the general topic of sexual consent, where we distinguished sexual activity in which there is sexual consent vs. no consent. The phases of the thematic analysis approach were applied. For the consensual context, the following themes emerged: mutual reciprocity and respect; open, clear communication and agreements; and awareness and emotional well-being. For the non-consensual context, the following themes emerged: violence and sexual assault, absence and ambiguity of sexual consent, and lack of communication. All of these aspects should be considered in couples' communication and sexual education to facilitate and improve sexual relationships and, in turn, prevent violence and sexual aggression.

Social norms: Implications for the prevention of male college students’ perpetration of sexual aggression.

Social norms: Implications for the prevention of male college students’ perpetration of sexual aggression.

Supplemental Material for An Experimental Comparison of Three Phrases Used to Convey Lack of Consent: How Does Language Affect Men’s Self-Reports of Sexual Aggression Against Women?

Supplemental Material for An Experimental Comparison of Three Phrases Used to Convey Lack of Consent: How Does Language Affect Men’s Self-Reports of Sexual Aggression Against Women?