Sexual Aggression Research Articles

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?

A Theory on the Nonlinear Relationship of Sexual Behavior and Aggression

Objective: Claims have been made that more sexual liberalism in society than what generally existed in human history is necessary to promote societal tranquility and reduce violence. This research was conducted to investigate the real relationship between sexual behavior and aggression based on scientific data especially from the perspective of physiological psychology. Method: This study was a narrative review and utilized evidence-based findings from neuropsychology, psychophysiology, laboratory research, and field studies. Databases were explored for related terms until sufficiency was reached. The findings were categorized and analyzed descriptively and interpretively to establish connections between the findings. Ultimately, a comprehensive conceptualization was developed to conclude a theory on the relationship between sexual behavior, sexual satiety, and aggression. Results: The study indicated that unrestrained sexual behavior leads to an escalation of the behavior, rather than satiation, and aggression rather than calmness. This may be due to positive feedback in the nervous and hormonal systems, specifically mediated by the medial preoptic area (MPA) and testosterone, leading to aggressive behavior. However, since sexual deprivation can potentially lead to aggression, it is advisable to view the relationship between sexual activity and violence as a non-linear one. Conclusion: This paper establishes that the intensification of sexual behaviors leads to increased violence and aggression in society, ultimately elevating levels of public insecurity. Therefore, limiting sexual behavior within the framework of the relationship of married couples may serve as a moderating factor for this phenomenon.

Prior Sexual Aggression as a Moderator of an Integrated Alcohol and Sexual Assault Prevention Program for Heavy Drinking College Men: A Brief Report.

Sexual aggression and heavy drinking are interrelated concerns among college men. As a result, integrated prevention interventions now exist to address co-occurring risk for sexual aggression and heavy drinking. The Sexual Assault and Alcohol Feedback and Education (SAFE) program is a multi-session integrated alcohol and sexual assault prevention program for college men that addresses alcohol use, sexual activity, social norms, alcohol-related sexual consequences, understanding of consent, and engagement in bystander intervention. Given that prior sexual aggression is a risk factor for subsequent perpetration of sexual aggression, the present study examined whether the effect of SAFE on a range of outcomes (rape myth acceptance, hypergender ideology, labeling of consent, and bystander intervention intentions) depended on men's baseline history of perpetration. Participants in the study were heavy drinking college men (N = 115) randomly assigned to SAFE or a mindfulness-based control condition, and who completed follow-ups at two and six months. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling. Degree of prior sexual aggression significantly moderated effects of SAFE on change in intentions to intervene, as well as rape myth acceptance, between baseline and six months. As baseline perpetration decreased, those receiving SAFE significantly increased bystander intervention intentions more so than the control group. As baseline perpetration increased, those receiving SAFE significantly increased rape myth acceptance more so than the control group. Findings emphasize the importance of continued examination of who benefits from integrated alcohol and sexual assault prevention programs.

‘The problem is the system’: Luis Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso and the sound of sealed lips

In this contribution, I explore the affordances of videographic criticism for feminist activism by dissecting a specific incident of power imbalance and toxic entitlement: the non-consensual kiss that the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, inflicted upon player Jenni Hermoso during the official ceremony for Spain’s victory in the Women’s Soccer World Cup in August 2023. Through a supercut set to the romantic song ‘As Time Goes By’ from Casablanca, mimicking the fanvid format, the video essay—”A Kiss is Not Just a Kiss” ( https://vimeo.com/908473856 )—juxtaposes footage of Rubiales’ kiss with representations of non-consensual kisses in mainstream films, where the woman reciprocates the kiss after a brief resistance. Slow-motion, zooming-in and repetition of the same narrative disrupt and challenge the normalization of sexual aggression. By selecting films, including animation features, that span seven decades (from 1937 to 2007), I aim to highlight the persistent nature of the issue. The superimposition of Jenni Hermoso’s voice interrupts the kisses, and a glitch with the text ‘System error’ obscures the action, arguing that the incident is part of a broader systemic problem of entrenched naturalization of sexual violence.

On The Ground: Methodological and Ethical Considerations of a Field Study on Alcohol Intoxication and Sexual Misperception among Drinking Venue Patrons.

The goal of this paper is to provide guidance to researchers on the logistical and ethical considerations involved in conducting an alcohol field study by detailing the methodology employed in a field study on alcohol and sexual misperception. This article presents a field study protocol for measuring sexual misperception, a precursor to SA, in patrons exiting bars. One hundred forty-three participants completed study procedures. In-depth information on procedures for site selection, recruitment, screening, measure selection, consent, and capacity assessment is provided. Field studies can evaluate proximal causes of alcohol-involved sexual aggression and intermediary processes like sexual misperception in naturalistic settings. Greater implementation of field studies is required for a comprehensive understanding of alcohol-involved SA perpetration and for generalizable interventions.

The Confluence Model of Sexual Aggression in the Context of Acute Intoxication and State Emotion Regulation.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying sexual aggression perpetration is critical for the development of targeted, evidence-based prevention. The current study evaluates the effects of state emotion regulation (ER), acute alcohol intoxication, and Confluence Model constructs on sexual aggression perpetration intentions. Single, male social drinkers, aged 21-30 years, with a history of sexual risk-taking (N = 90) were randomly assigned to an alcohol (BrAC = 0.1%) or sober control condition and completed measures of hypothetical sexual aggression intentions, state ER, and Confluence Model constructs. Logistic regression demonstrated men high in hostile masculinity expressed significantly greater sexual aggression intentions. In addition, men with poor state ER endorsed significantly greater sexual aggression intentions, although this relationship only held for the men in the sober condition. Results suggest that interventions targeting state ER may be beneficial to sexual aggression perpetration prevention programming.

Mental health in midwifery students: A French nationwide survey

BackgroundPoor mental health in health students is a major public health issue, impacting personal quality of life and functioning, curriculum and care quality to patients. ProblemFew studies to date have examined mental health in midwifery students. AimTo evaluate the midwifery students'mental health. MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey was performed between 02/11/2023 and 11/12/2023. Anonymous questionnaires were sent to midwife students via academic emails by all midwife faculties in France. We assessed the prevalence of current depressive symptoms, current generalised anxiety symptoms, burnout for students in internship, 12-month major depressive disorder and 12-month suicidal ideation, humiliation, sexual harassment, and sexual aggression during their curriculum with specific questions. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the main factors associated with major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation. FindingsAmong midwifery students, 1920 (response rate: 51.9 %) were included. The prevalences of current depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, burnout, 12-month major depressive disorder, and 12-month suicidal ideation were 62 %, 47 %, 44 %, 13 % and 14 %, respectively. Humiliation, sexual harassment and sexual aggression were reported by 19 %, 1.8 % and 0.7 %, respectively. In multivariable analyses, having important financial difficulties and sexual violence were associated with higher rates of major depressive episodes and suicidal ideation. Discussion>1 in 10 students suffered from 12-month depression and/or suicidal ideation, and almost half of them expressed various distressing symptoms. ConclusionThese alarming results highlighted the need for interventions to improve mental health in midwifery students, including safer conditions of education and living.

Assessing risk indicators of intimate partner femicide considering victim's coping strategies to violence: A dynamic multilevel linear mixed model based on genetic algorithms

Intimate partner femicide (IPF) is a grave social and health concern affecting women worldwide, with approximately 30,000 deaths annually at the hands of their current or former intimate partners. Previous studies have focused on identifying risk factors for IPF and developing risk assessment tools to identify high-risk cases. However, an important aspect that has been overlooked in these studies is victims' coping strategies in response to intimate partner violence. Understanding victims' coping strategies can provide valuable insights into how they deal with the abuse and can inform the development of effective interventions and prevention strategies. This study aims to address this gap by developing a multilevel linear mixed model (LMM) to analyze the impact of engagement and disengagement coping on the likelihood of IPF and identify common and specific IPF risk indicators for these coping strategies. A total of 491 Spanish cases of violence against women by current or former intimate partners were analyzed from penal sentences issued by Spanish provincial and supreme courts from 2019 to 2022. The LMM model obtained from the study has competitive performance in identifying IPF and non-IPF cases, including risk indicators of prior history of injuries, history of sexual aggression, frequency and escalation of violence, physical violence, place of crime, lonely place of crime, and community presence. Victims with engagement coping and disengagement coping share some risk indicators, while others belong to just one category. Overall, the results suggest that victims with disengagement coping are more predisposed to suffer IPF than victims with engagement coping. This evidenced-based knowledge emphasizes the significance of considering coping strategies in predicting and preventing IPF, with further implications discussed at the end of this paper.

A COMPARISON BETWEEN FIKIH SYAFI'IYAH AND THE SEXUAL VIOLENCE CRIMINAL ACT LAW RELATING TO WOMEN'S LEGAL PROTECTION

This research is driven by the disparities in the eradication of violence against women as outlined in Law Number 12 of 2022, which pertains to Criminal Acts of Sexual Violence (UU-TPKS), and the teachings of Imam Syafi'i. The research methodology employed is library research, utilizing primary and secondary sources as data sources. Primary data is derived from scholarly sources that are directly relevant to the central topic, such as articles, newspapers, books, and scientific journals. Secondary data refers to additional data that complements and supports primary data. After conducting extensive investigation, the author discovered many findings: Law no. 12 of 2022 was enacted to safeguard the rights of those who have experienced sexual violence, as such crimes frequently manifest in society as physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. In addition to overseeing the enforcement of criminal penalties, such as monetary fines. Furthermore, Imam Syafi'i strongly highlighted that Islamic law unequivocally forbids any and all manifestations of sexual aggression. According to Shafi'i scholars, sexual assault can be penalized with Qishash, diyat, and ta'zir, depending on the specific offense

A Mirror for Men? Feminist Activism of #ImitatingGreasyMen in China

With the evolution of social media, video-sharing platforms have emerged as new arenas for feminist activism. This article examines a new form of hashtag activism on Douyin (Chinese version of TikTok), where Chinese female vloggers satirically imitate certain male behaviors that are sexual aggressive to women. The term sexual aggression is used inclusively to indicate a continuum of manifestations of unwanted sexual behaviors that cover all acts of unwanted sexual contact from sexual harassment up to and including rape. Based on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of the top 20 most-viewed short videos tagged with #ImitatingGreasyMen, this study identifies two prevalent imitation archetypes: "Mansplainer'' and "Ordinary-But-Confident Men.", emphasizing the importance of social media platforms for women's expression of attitudes toward gender inequality using humorous language and gestures. Women can use social media platforms to mimic certain typical male behaviors through humorous language and actions in order to awaken women and stay tuned in society. The findings demonstrate a growing level of awareness and resistance to male chauvinist and patriarchal norms, suggesting a shift in traditionally male-dominated gender dynamics and the power of digital activism in challenging traditional gender norms and advancing feminist discourse in China's digital landscape.

Rape Myths and Verdict Systems: What Is Influencing Conviction Rates in Rape Trials in Scotland?

The Scottish verdict system includes three verdicts: 'guilty', 'not guilty' and 'not proven'. Politicians propose that the three-verdict system is partially to blame for the low conviction rate of rape, whereas research suggests that rape myths may be having a larger impact. To test the effects of varying verdict systems (guilty, not guilty and not proven; guilty and not guilty; a series of proven and not proven verdicts) and rape myths on juror verdicts. A total of 180 participants answered questions regarding their acceptance of rape myths using the Acceptance of Modern Myth and Sexual Aggression (AMMSA) scale. They then watched a staged rape trial filmed in a real courtroom and reached a verdict. Participants also provided longer-form answers on which thematical analysis was conducted. The main findings are as follows: (1) The special verdict system leads to a higher conviction rate than the other systems when rape myth acceptance is controlled for. (2) The higher the rape myth acceptance, the more favourably the accused was perceived and the less favourably the complainer was perceived.

Characterizing myths of sexual aggression in the young population in Spain

BackgroundMyths of sexual aggression have a negative influence in aggressive behavior against women, in the institutional approaches to sexual violence and in how women cope with it. The objective of this study is to describe acceptance of myths of sexual aggression in young women and men residing in Spain.MethodCross-sectional study carried out online with 2,515 women (50.2%) and men (49.8%) ages 18–35 in Spain in 2020. Information on myths was collected using the Acceptance of Modern Myths About Sexual Aggression Scale (AMMSA). We described the myths most prevalent among women and men. The variables associated with myths were identified using multiple regression. The regression models were adjusted by sociodemographic and sexual orientation variables.ResultsThe average AMMSA values were higher among men [mean: 3.11; standard deviation (sd):1.23] than among women (mean 2.49 sd:1.11). In both sexes, the myths with greater acceptance showed the presence of patriarchal gender roles in sexual contacts. Men were more likely than women to accept myths that question allegations and severity of violence. Having a higher level of educational studies (β -0.350 sd: 0.046) was associated with lower average AMMSA values. Being born in Latin America (β 0.047 sd: 0.063) was associated with higher average AMMSA values. Among heterosexual men, AMMSA values were greater than among gay and bisexual men. Among women, there was no difference in average AMMSA values based on sexual orientation.ConclusionsMyths persist during youth that question and trivialize sexual violence against women. It is necessary to implement strategies that reduce these myths, particularly in heterosexual men, in those of foreign-born origin and among those with low levels of education.

Pornography exposure profiles differentiate sexual aggression and its risk factors: A person-centered approach.

Pornography exposure profiles differentiate sexual aggression and its risk factors: A person-centered approach.