Testing a mediational model of sexually aggressive behavior in nonincarcerated perpetrators

Violence Vict. 1998 Summer;13(2):117-30.

Abstract

This study examined a psychological model of male sexually aggressive behavior toward women. Forty-seven men who reported completing or attempting acts that legally represent rape in most states and 56 nonviolent men completed measures assessing early home environment, attitudes regarding women and relationships, impulsive behaviors, and peers' characteristics. As predicted, sexually aggressive behavior was associated with exposure to negative childhood experiences with fathers. These experiences included reports of emotionally distant, uncaring fathers and witnessing father-perpetrated domestic violence. The relationship between poorer fathering and sexually aggressive behavior was partially mediated by impulse control problems as a young adult. Although having delinquent peers and endorsements of hostile attitudes toward women and rigid sex-role beliefs, predicted perpetration, contrary to expectations, neither mediated the relationship between poorer fathering and perpetration.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aggression* / psychology
  • Coitus
  • Domestic Violence
  • Father-Child Relations
  • Female
  • Gender Identity
  • Hostility
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Mother-Child Relations
  • Peer Group
  • Rape* / psychology
  • Sexual Behavior* / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires