Nonconsensual Sexual Experiences Research Articles

Adverse childhood experiences, sexual risk-taking and non-consensual sexual experiences in a nationally representative study of 15–29-year-old Danes

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked with risky health-related behaviors and poor health. ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate associations of ACEs with a broad panel of sexual risk-taking behaviors and non-consensual sexual experiences among young people in Denmark. Participants and settingBaseline questionnaire data from 15 to 29-year-old participants in the nationally representative cohort study Project SEXUS were used in combination with data from Danish national registers to include a total of 13,132 individuals. MethodsIn logistic regression analyses, confounder-adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained for associations of five ACE categories (Household challenges, Loss or threat of loss, Material deprivation, Abuse, and Neglect) and a cumulative ACE score with measures of sexual risk-taking and non-consensual sexual experiences. ResultsStatistically significant associations were observed between ACEs and multiple sexual risk-taking behaviors and non-consensual sexual experiences with particularly increased odds among individuals with a history of Abuse, Neglect, or an ACE score of 3 or more. Specifically, Abuse was associated with having received payment for sex (women: aOR 5.38; 95 % CI 2.73–10.61; men: aOR 2.11; 95 % CI 1.22–3.64), with having paid for sex (men: aOR 1.88; 95 % CI 1.41–2.51), and with having been the victim of a sexual assault after age 18 years (women: aOR 3.33; 95 % CI 2.36–4.68). ConclusionsIn this Danish study, multiple measures of sexual risk-taking and non-consensual sexual experiences were markedly more common among young people with ACEs than in those without ACEs. This knowledge should be considered in future initiatives to promote sexual health among young people.

Prevalence rates and identification of nonconsensual sexual experiences among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Canada

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) have been identified as a population at higher risk of experiencing non-consensual sexual experiences (NSEs). However, previous research studies examining the prevalence of NSEs in this population have been limited by inconsistent terminology and a lack of research on the topic. The main focus of this study was to compare the effectiveness of using self-labels versus behavioural indicators to measure the prevalence of NSEs experienced in adulthood in GBMSM and contribute to more accurate prevalence rates in the Canadian context. A total of 346 participants were recruited from various social media platforms in Canada. The study used a two-part question that asked participants if they had ever been sexually assaulted or raped, followed by a question about other nonconsensual sexual experiences. The study also used a formal behavioural measure, the Sexual Experiences Survey, to assess the prevalence of NSEs. The results indicated that a two-part question and the formal measure reported similar prevalence rates of NSEs—64.5% and 66.8% respectively. Overall prevalence of NSEs was very high in this sample, and people of colour and trans men reported even higher rates. Depending on the context, the parsimonious choice of questioning persons on the NSE history may be valid, however, only if applied in the context of asking for rape and assault as well as other NSEs that may not be captured by these definitions. The study highlights the importance of using consistent terminology and effective measurement methods when studying the prevalence of NSEs in GBMSM. These findings may have important implications for developing interventions and for obtaining more accurate prevalence rates in a variety of settings without having to use a longer, more formalized measure.

Uncovering young people's situational construction of sexual consent

Aim: To investigate how young Danes construct sexual consent generally, but also specifically in relation to heavy alcohol intoxication. Methods: Drawing on 30 qualitative in-depth interviews with young people, aged 19–25 years, and adopting a critical discursive psychological framework, we explored the interpretative repertoires that the participants made use of to construct sexual consent and the subject positions those repertoires enabled. Results: The participants made use of three interpretative repertoires that we named as follows: (1) sexual consent as an agreement between rational individuals; (2) sexual consent as a heteronormative practice; and (3) intoxicated sexual consent. Discussion: Young people draw on different repertoires when discussing sexual consent in general, sexual consent in relation to gendered practices and expectations, and sexual consent in relation to heavy alcohol intoxication. Conclusion: It is vital to keep the situational nature of young people's constructions of sexual consent in mind if we wish to understand and eventually reduce the number of non-consensual sexual experiences.

The moderating roles of emotion regulation and coping self-efficacy on the association between PTSD symptom severity and drug use among female sexual assault survivors.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders are a significant comorbid concern among sexual assault survivors. Thus, underlying risk and protective factors are critical to investigate in understanding how to prevent this comorbidity. The current study assessed potential moderating effects of coping self-efficacy (CSE) and emotion dysregulation on the association between sexual assault-related PTSD symptom severity and drug use severity in a sample of college women. In this study, 518 female undergraduate students completed self-report measures of nonconsensual sexual experiences, PTSD symptoms, CSE, emotion dysregulation, and drug use severity. Of these participants, 287 women reported at least 1 incident of attempted or completed rape. We found evidence of a significant moderation effect, suggesting that high levels of CSE and low levels of emotion dysregulation reduce the likelihood of drug use issues for female sexual assault survivors. These findings suggest that assessment tools, interventions, and trauma-related policies should target CSE and emotion dysregulation in attenuating the risk of drug use for women with assault-related PTSD symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

(030) A Preliminary Analysis of the Effects of Title IX Mandatory Reporting Policies on Undergraduate Students’ Likelihood of Disclosing Sexual Violence

Abstract Introduction In the United States, Title IX requires employees of federally funded universities to report any knowledge of university-related nonconsensual sexual experiences (NSEs), whether or not the students involved desire to file a report. Research assessing students’ likelihood of disclosing sexual violence to someone at their university under these policies remains sparse; however, the extant literature found that people with NSE histories feel they would be less likely to disclose sexual violence with mandatory reporting (MR) policies present. Even without MR policies, one factor that has consistently shown to impact an individual’s likelihood of disclosing an NSE is whether or not they label their NSE with a sexual violence term (e.g., rape). Individuals who do not identify their NSEs with these terms (“non-identifiers”) are less likely to report than individuals who do identify with these terms (“identifiers”). None of the previous studies on MR have used an experimental design to evaluate the effects of MR on students’ likelihood of reporting sexual violence to universities, nor have they taken the students’ identification of their NSEs into account when evaluating this likelihood. Objectives The current study aimed to fill these gaps by (1) using an experimental design to assess students’ likelihood of reporting sexual violence to the university under MR policy and (2), evaluating how NSE identification, rather than NSE history alone, impacts likelihood of reporting under such policies. Methods 120 undergraduate students were recruited for the current study. Participants were randomized into two groups: one group was instructed to imagine that their university had MR policies in place while the other was instructed to imagine that university employees were all confidential reporting sources-- meaning that students could disclose their NSE without creating a formal report. Next, participants were presented with four gender-neutral vignettes that differed in the perpetrator (professor vs. student) and type of assault (penetrative vs. non-penetrative). After each vignette, participants responded to questions adapted from Newins and White (2018) asking how likely they would be to report the offense if they were the student in the vignette. Students also completed the Non-Consensual Sexual Experiences Inventory to assess NSE history and identification (NSEI; Kilimnik et al., 2018). Results Preliminary analyses using a mixed factor repeated-measures ANOVA indicated a significant difference in student likelihood of disclosure (p < 0.001). Post-hoc analyses revealed that students were significantly more likely to report with a professor perpetrator than a student. Additionally, when the perpetrator was a student, participants were more likely to disclose in cases of penetrative rather than non-penetrative assault. No significant differences were detected by condition or NSE identification in the preliminary analyses. Conclusions These preliminary results suggest that MR policy may not significantly affect a student’s likelihood of disclosing sexual violence to the university as some previous literature has suggested. Further analysis will be conducted to increase our understanding of any potential impact of mandatory reporting policies on students’ overall likelihood to seek university resources and receive support for nonconsensual sexual experiences. Disclosure No.

A Qualitative Account of Coping Following Non-Consensual Sexual Experiences among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men

ABSTRACT Sexual consent among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) has not been thoroughly documented in the academic literature. Research has suggested that GBMSM incur a greater risk for experiencing non-consensual sexual experiences (NSEs) compared to heterosexual, cis-gendered men. Despite the high prevalence of NSEs impacting this population, little research has been conducted on how GBMSM cope after NSEs. The purpose of this study was to examine how GBMSM cope following NSEs. Responses were analyzed from 206 GBMSM, aged 18–77 (M = 31.84), recruited across Canada. Participants completed an online survey, answering open-ended questions on experiences of NSEs and how they coped afterward. Guidelines for thematic analysis were followed to analyze the responses, indicating that GBMSM cope both maladaptively (e.g., avoidance, withdrawal from social networks and sexual relationships) and adaptively (e.g., seeking therapy, social support) following NSEs. Some participants were affected by and needed to cope with their NSEs over a longer term (e.g., ongoing rumination, enjoying sexual and intimate relationships less). Participants used a range of coping skills and showed openness to reach out for help from formal and informal sources, but also noted that resources were not always accessible or culturally sensitive to GBMSM’s needs. Responses are discussed in the context of barriers to effective coping, such as perceptions of masculinity and maladaptive sexual scripts.

(078) Assessing Women's Sexual Well-being in the Context of Relationship Status and Nonconsensual Sexual Experience History

Abstract Introduction Being involved in a romantic relationship has consistently been associated with better general well-being and life satisfaction, relational and sexual satisfaction, and sexual function. Research indicates that these relationships also buffer women against negative mental and sexual health outcomes after traumatic experiences. Regardless of quality, the presence of a romantic relationship is associated with better general and sexual outcomes for women. Though it has been well established that romantic relationships are positively associated with better sexual and general well-being for heterosexual individuals, the influence of relationship status on other important indicators of sexual well-being has received significantly less attention. Research has not assessed sexual well-being by self-schemas and sexual excitation and inhibition propensities. Given the associations of sexual schemas and sexual excitation and inhibition with sexual function and satisfaction, these two constructs are important to consider when evaluating sexual well-being for women. Additionally, it is imperative to consider nonconsensual sexual experiences (NSEs) when evaluating women’s sexual well-being as 20% of women in the U.S. experience an NSE in their lifetime. NSEs are known to negatively impact sexual excitation and inhibition, self-schemas, and sexual and general well-being. Objective The current study expands upon existing research on sexual well-being by including measures of excitation and inhibition and sexual schemas as well as considering participants’ NSE history. Filling these gaps in the extant literature could prove important for understanding the combined effects of relationship status and NSE history on women’s sexual well-being. Methods The data for the current study was taken from a larger assessment of female sexuality in February and July of 2016. Data from 1152 women was analyzed in the current study. The women completed assessments of previous consensual and nonconsensual sexual experiences using the Nonconsensual Sexual Experiences Inventory, sexual excitation and inhibition using the Sexual Excitation and Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women, sexual self-schemas using the Sexual Self-Schema Scale and relationship status. Results The results from an ANOVA and subsequent independent t-test pairwise comparisons indicate significant differences in sexual schemas and excitation and inhibition propensities across various relationship statuses (p values < 0.05). After Bonferroni corrections, there were a few significant findings. Women in married or cohabitating relationships report significantly more conservative/embarrassed sexual self-schemas than single women. Single women with NSE histories also reported significantly lower scores on the “setting” excitation subscale of the SESII-W compared to single women with no NSE histories. Conclusions The results indicate that women conceptualize their sexual schemas and experience facilitators and inhibitors of arousal differently across various relationship statuses. Consistent with previous literature, married and cohabitating women reported more conservative/embarrassed self-schemas. Interestingly, single women with an NSE history reported that sex in novel or public settings was less activating for their sexual arousal than the sexual setting for women with no NSE histories. These findings highlight the importance of considering relationship status and NSE history when examining sexual well-being, sexual self-schemas, and sexual excitation and inhibition. Disclosure No

The Role of Sexual Consent and Past Non-consensual Sexual Experiences on Rape Supportive Attitudes in a Heterosexual Community Sample

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between (a) sociodemographic variables, past non-consensual experiences and sexual consent and (b) the endorsement of rape supportive attitudes. A sample of 1042 heterosexual adults (42.4% men) was surveyed. A predictive model indicated that the most relevant predictors of rape supportive attitudes were gender (i.e., being male) and most dimensions from sexual consent such as (Lack of) perceived behavioural control, Sexual consent norms, and Awareness and discussion. On the contrary, holding a positive attitude for the establishment of consent in sexual encounters negatively predicted rape supportive attitudes. The positive association between gender (i.e., being male) and (Lack of) perceived behavioural control was stronger among participants who were not victims of past non-consensual sexual experiences than among participants who were victims of past non-consensual sexual experiences, and the same held true when Positive attitude toward establishing sexual consent was involved in the interaction. These findings may help us understand the role of sexual consent on the attitudes that support violence, which can better guide future prevention programs aimed at reducing them.

Exploring the Validity of a Modified Version of the SES-SFV with Students Attending Northern Irish Universities

ABSTRACT Compared to US university students, far less is known about the scale of unwanted and non-consensual sexual experiences [USEs] faced by UK university students, particularly those in Northern Ireland [NI]. The Sexual Experiences Survey (Short Form [SEF-SFV]) is considered a popular tool for measuring USEs but has not been updated since 2007; there is some indication that additional perpetrator tactics may be more inclusive of students’ experiences and that certain scoring strategies may impact our understanding of data. This paper examines the USEs reported by 1033 students attending either of NI’s traditional universities. Participants completed a modified version of the SES-SFV that included two additional perpetration tactics: “ignorance of refusal” and “taken by surprise.” Sixty-three percent (n = 650) reported experiencing at least one USE, but this reduced to 53% (n = 546) without the new perpetrator tactics. Female and non-heterosexual students reported significantly more USEs than male and heterosexual students, respectively. “Taken by surprise” was highly endorsed (81%, n = 525) and the most commonly endorsed tactic. Whilst dichotomous scoring is the most straightforward, continuous scoring affords greater analytical opportunities whilst still retaining frequency of USEs. “Taken by surprise” may be a relevant addition but further mixed-methodological research is required to assess its validity among larger and more diverse samples. SES-SFV scoring options should be also validated using male and mixed-gender samples, particularly categorical scoring to ensure current construction is reflective of the wider student experience.

Unacknowledged and missed cases of sexual victimization: A comparison of responses to broad versusbehaviorally specific questions.

From the beginning of systematic research on sexual victimization, it has been recognized that a substantial proportion of women report nonconsensual sexual experiences meeting the defining criteria of rape in response to behaviorally specific items, but do not acknowledge their experience as rape in response to broad questions about whether they have ever been raped. Recent studies suggest that rates of unacknowledged rape may be as high or even higher among men than among women. This study examined rates of unacknowledged female and male victims of rape and sexual assault by comparing responses to behaviorally specific items of the Sexual Aggression and Victimization Scale (SAV-S) with responses to broad questions using the labels of sexual assault and rape (SARA) in 593 participants (303 women) in Germany. As predicted, more women and men were classified as rape victims based on behaviorally specific items than on the basis of the broad rape item. The rates of unacknowledged rape were about 60% for women and 75% for men. The gender difference was not significant. Against our prediction, no significant differences in acknowledgement of sexual assault were found in relation to coercive strategy and victim-perpetrator relationship. Few cases of rape and sexual assault identified by the SARA items were missed by the behaviorally specific questions. The implications for establishing prevalence rates of rape and sexual assault and for comparing victims and nonvictims in terms of vulnerability factors and outcomes of sexual victimization are discussed.

Trauma History as a Significant Predictor of Posttraumatic Growth Beyond Mental Health Symptoms in Women-Identifying Survivors of Undergraduate Non-Consensual Sexual Experiences.

There is little data on what influences posttraumatic growth for women who experienced non-consensual sexual contact (NCSC) as an undergraduate college student. The purpose of this study is to garner a better understanding of posttraumatic growth among women-identifying survivors of undergraduate NCSC by addressing the following aims: 1) evaluate the mediating role of NCSC-related shame on the relationship between perceived peer rape myth acceptance and posttraumatic growth (n = 174); and 2) evaluate the shared and independent variance contributions of mental health symptoms and trauma history clusters on posttraumatic growth (n = 151).NCSC-related shame did not mediate the relationship between perceived peer rape myth acceptance and posttraumatic growth. Mental health symptoms and trauma history significantly contributed to 35.27% of posttraumatic growth variance, with the trauma history cluster significantly influencing posttraumatic growth scores beyond mental health symptoms. Based on these findings, it is important that clinicians assess for a history of trauma and the impact of that trauma in addition to mental health symptoms when trying to understand posttraumatic growth after campus sexual violence.

Vulnerability and variability: Associations between various early forms of nonconsensual sexual experiences and later sexual experiences of young adults

Early nonconsensual sexual experiences (NSEs) in childhood or adolescence have been linked to elevated risk for adjustment problems and later victimization in some research, whereas others find little or no associations between NSEs and later sexual experiences. The current study examined how a range of early NSEs are linked to both consensual and nonconsensual sexual experiences among young adults, as well as consideration of the familial versus non-familial nature of the perpetrator—victim relationship, an often-overlooked factor. A sample of 520 young adults (68% female; 18–25 years) completed anonymous surveys that assessed sexual experiences before and after age 16. Our results demonstrated that 6.9% of participants reported at least one episode of NSEs under the age of 16 with family members, 3.5% with non-familial adults, but far more (39.2%) with same-age peers. Early NSEs with family members and non-family adults were linked to experiences of sexual assaults after age 16 for both male and female participants. Early NSEs with peers were linked to later sexual assaults for female participants only. Careful consideration must be given to identifying types of early sexual experiences in efforts to understand their differential links to young adults’ experiences. Implications for improving scientific communication and operationalizing NSEs more precisely to advance research in this area are discussed.

Contextual risk for nonconsensual sexual experiences: An application of routine activity theories among first-year college women who drink alcohol.

Contextual risk for nonconsensual sexual experiences: An application of routine activity theories among first-year college women who drink alcohol.

Nonconsensual Sexual Experience Histories of Incarcerated Men: A Mixed Methods Approach.

Nonconsensual sexual experiences (NSEs) may contribute to mental health concerns among incarcerated individuals, yet NSEs are understudied in this population. This study takes a novel approach in examining the prevalence of NSEs among incarcerated males by utilizing both quantitative and qualitative measures. The sample consisted of 189 men from three provincial maximum-security prisons in Ontario, Canada. Based on quantitative findings, 44.2% of the sample experienced NSEs before the age of 18, and 41.7% of the sample endorsed an experience that fit the legal definition of a NSEs as adults. Participants also responded to a qualitative open-ended question about their history of NSEs. Based on qualitative findings, a total of 23% of the men reported at least one incident of a NSE (e.g., child and adult). Based Findings highlight the high prevalence of NSEs among incarcerated men with quantitative responses demonstrating how the use of a behavioral questionnaire may, to some extent, correct for underreporting of NSEs. Qualitative responses illustrate the lived experience of incarcerated men and provide a deeper understanding of their NSEs. Responses also speak to the lack of resources and support available to these men. Findings underscore the need for proactive approaches in meeting mental health needs of incarcerated men in general and with regard to NSEs in particular. Results may inform the development of future correctional procedures (i.e., intake protocols that account for men with NSEs) and resources to support incarcerated men in navigating the psychological impact of non-consensual sexual experiences.

Examining Women’s Sexual Assault Victimization Experiences since Entering College via Two Behavioral Assessments

ABSTRACT Measuring sexual assault experiences is considered a methodological challenge in survey research. Researchers can test the validity of sexual assault measures by comparing responses to different, albeit related, measures of sexual assault to determine if they identify similar groups of women. The goal of this study was to compare two measures of sexual assault victimization to determine if women report experiencing sexual assault in both assessments. Cisgender college women (n = 902) completed two separate measures of sexual victimization: the Sexual Coercion Inventory (SCI) and Sexual Experience Survey-Short Form Victimization (SES-SFV). Responses to both measures were coded to identify different sexual assault experiences (i.e., unwanted touching, attempted, and completed oral, vaginal, or anal rape) resulting from verbal coercion, threats of force, and use of force since enrolling in the university. Results suggested the SES-SFV produced higher overall rates of sexual assault experiences than the SCI. Specifically, the SES-SFV elicited more non-consensual sexual experiences resulting from threats and use of force, whereas the SCI elicited more non-consensual sexual experiences resulting from verbal coercion. Findings suggested discrepant responding across the two measures. Development of comprehensive sexual assault measures that fully capture women’s victimization experiences is warranted.

Sexual Consent Across Diverse Behaviors and Contexts: Gender Differences and Nonconsensual Sexual Experiences.

Sexual consent refers to people’s internal willingness to engage in sexual activity with another person—as well as their external communication of that willingness. Internal and external sexual consent can vary by type of sexual behavior; however, previous research on sexual consent has primarily only assessed “typical” sexual behaviors such as genital touching, oral sex, and vaginal–penile sex without providing further context or acknowledging people’s sexual diversity. Therefore, we provided an initial account of people’s sexual consent—and lack thereof—for a broader array of sexual behaviors and contexts in which they occur. Using an online cross-sectional survey of participants in the United Kingdom and the United States (N = 658, 50.5% women), we examined event-level internal and external sexual consent for 20 sexual behaviors or contexts. Women reported significantly lower levels of sexual consent feelings than men for 12 of the 20 sexual behaviors and lower levels of active consent communication for 7 of them. Almost a third of participants (31.0%) had experienced at least one of the listed sexual behaviors against their will. Of those, participants on average reported nonconsensual experiences with 3.1 of the 20 types of sexual behavior listed, ranging from 1 to 11. More women reported at least one nonconsensual experience with one of the sexual behaviors assessed compared with men (47.9% versus 22.3%, respectively). We discussed several behavior-specific findings regarding sexual consent and the lack thereof. We also made recommendations for initiatives aimed at promoting healthy sexual consent practices: embrace sexual diversity, emphasize sexual agency, and encourage active consent communication.

Health associations for male survivors of unwanted and non-consensual sex.

Literature has established that men with non-consensual sexual experiences exhibit a higher likelihood of engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors; however, previous research does not explore men with unwanted sexual experiences, nor their sexual and general health outcomes. Weighted data from the 2011-2017 National Survey of Family Growth included men aged 18-49 years who ever experienced oral, vaginal, or anal sex by partners of any gender (N = 10,763). The Pearson χ2 test compared the sociodemographic of men with or without a history of unwanted or non-consensual sex. Logistic regressions were used to examine the association of this history to sexual health and general health outcomes, while controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and education level. Approximately 1 in 10 (10.3%) American men reported experiencing unwanted or non-consensual sex in their lifetime. Men with these experiences were more likely to rate their health as fair or poor (aOR = 1.5, 95% CI = [1.1, 2.0]) and have difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition (aOR = 2.1, 95% CI = [1.7, 2.7]). Men with forced sex experiences reported higher odds of gonorrhea (aOR = 5.4; 95% CI = [3.0, 10.0]) or chlamydia diagnoses (aOR = 2.5; 95% CI = [1.5, 4.4]) in the past year, and a diagnosis of genital herpes (aOR = 2.7; 95% CI = [1.6, 4.6]), genital warts (aOR = 1.7; 95% CI = [1.0, 5.6]), and syphilis (aOR = 2.4; 95% CI = [1.0, 5.6]) in their lifetime than men who did not report these experiences. The association of sexually transmitted infections and general health outcomes to unwanted and non-consensual sex validates the demand for clinicians to integrate trauma-informed care into their practice with male patients.

"If I Don't Allow Him to Have Sex With Me, Our Relationship Will Be Broken": Rape, Sexual Coercion, and Sexual Compliance Within Marriage in Rural Cambodia.

Rape, sexual coercion, and sexual compliance within marriage are major components of gender-based violence globally. This article examines a range of non-consensual sexual experiences within heterosexual marriage in Aoral and Thpong districts in Kampong Speu, Cambodia. Interviews were conducted with 11 married women and thematically analyzed from a critical realist and feminist perspective. Four categories of non-consensual sex were identified and analyzed (rape/forced sex, sexual coercion, sexual compliance, and internalized pressure). These are discussed in detail, alongside the need for educational efforts that disrupt traditional gender norms that create a context conducive to women's non-consensual sex in Cambodia.

019 Evaluating the Role of Relationship Status in the Sexual Well-being of Women With and Without Histories of Nonconsensual Sexual Experiences

The clinical utility of a supportive relationship partner and high relationship quality in healing from sexual trauma has been demonstrated. Research shows committed relationships have positive effects on sexual and psychological well-being. Few studies, however, have assessed whether committed, stable relationships can act as a protective factor against decrements in sexual well-being for women with nonconsensual sexual experience (NSE) histories.

052 Undergraduates' Definitions of Sexual Consent: The Role of Rape Myth Acceptance

The high rates of nonconsensual sexual experiences (NSEs) have prompted educational institutions to reexamine their sexual assault prevention policies and educational efforts. Many colleges and universities have adopted policies focusing on affirmative consent. Yet, affirmative consent policies fail to address the complexities surrounding real life sexual consent negotiations. Additionally, certain factors may play a role in how individuals conceptualize consent, such as the endorsement of rape myths (e.g., it is not rape if the victim does not fight back).