An Exploration of Self-Reported Sexually Aggressive Behavior

Abstract

Using data from the final wave of a longitudinal study of males, this article examines propositions derived from feminist literature regarding male attributes that may distinguish sexually aggressive males from others. The findings suggest that the most important factor is the presence of sexually aggressive friends. In its effect this factor interacts with (1) attitudes legitimizing sexual aggression against women and (2) service in Vietnam. More general attitudes toward women, alienation, and education appear to have indirect effects. Overall, the findings are consistent with arguments in the feminist literature concerning influences on rape or sexually aggressive behavior.

Hitting Without a License: Testing Explanations for Differences in Partner Abuse between Young Adult Daters and Cohabitors

“…Some evidence has been found for the proposition that partner abuse is associated with less concern for social desirability (Sigelman et al, 1984). In particular, partner abuse is associated with various forms of unconventional behavior, such as infrequent attendance at religious services (Fergusson, Horwood, Kershaw, & Shannon, 1986; Makepeace, 1987) and having deviant peers (Alder, 1985). To the extent that persons with less conventional attitudes and lifestyles are more likely to cohabit at a young age and are more likely to abuse their partners, the association between cohabitation and partner abuse could be a spurious function of preexisting differences in conventionality between cohabitors and daters.…”

Definitions of Rape: Scientific and Political Implications

“…(Kanin, 1967, p. 429). Alder's (1985) definition of sexual aggression also required the victim to cry, fight, scream, or plead. Such definitions have the advantage of reducing the amount of inference required to evaluate the victim's willingness.…”

Sexual Violence in the Media: Indirect Effects on Aggression Against Women

“…Several studies reported links between thought patterns and sexually aggressivc behavior where both were measured at the same time rather than longitudinally. Alder (1985) used a subsample from a larger representative sample of men from a particular county in Oregon. Variables potentially predictive of sexual aggression were assessed.…”