Sexual coercion, sexual aggression, or sexual assault: how measurement impacts our understanding of sexual violence
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-05-2017-0292 |
| Published date | 09 October 2017 |
| Date | 09 October 2017 |
| Pages | 269-278 |
| Author | Leana Bouffard,Amanda Goodson |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Aggression, conflict & peace,Sociology,Gender studies,Gender violence,Political sociology, policy & social change,Social conflicts,War/peace |
Sexual coercion, sexual aggression, or
sexual assault: how measurement impacts
our understanding of sexual violence
Leana Bouffard and Amanda Goodson
Abstract
Purpose –Definitions of rape and sexual aggression have varied widely in the research literature, resulting in
a wide range of estimates for perpetration and remaining questions as to the factors that may affect
involvement in sexual violence. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach –The current study uses a sample of college men to assess multiple
forms of measurement of sexual aggression and theoretical predictors.
Findings –Findingsindicate thatthe different measuresof sexual aggression (broad vs narrow;hypotheticalvs
behavioral) are significantly correlated with each other. Additionally, many theoretical predictors (rape myths,
low self-control, sexual entitlement, and pornography use) are consistently related to all measurement forms.
However, some variables (masculinity,peer support for violenceagainst women, sexual partners, and alcohol
and drug use) are only related to broad measures of sexual aggression, and some are related only to
hypothetical (i.e. certainty of apprehension) or behavioral measures (i.e. fraternity membership).
Research limitations/ implications –Because of the chosen approach, the results may lack
generalizability. Findings do, however, point to important considerations in defining sexual aggression
moving forward.
Practical implications –Results point to the importance of aiming policy and programs at the particular
characteristics that most consistently impact sexual aggression.
Originality/value –This paper addresses lingering questions about the impact of differences in definition
and measurement on understanding sexual aggression.
Keywords Measurement, Attitudes, Operationalization, Campus sexual assault, Sexual aggression,
Theoretical predictors
Paper type Research paper
Historically, the definition used to measure rape was the “carnal knowledge of a female forcibly
against her will”(Koss, 1993, p. 199). In fact, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (2013) used this
definition of rape until 2013. This was problematic, as sexual offenses not adhering to the
traditional definition of rape were potentially excluded from official estimates. Many states have
reformed rape statutes to broaden the definition and improve the language, which allowed for
more inclusive statutes (Koss, 1993). Despite the changes in rape laws, numerous incidents of
rape and sexual assault go unreported, thus suggesting there is an existence of hidden victims
and undetected sexual perpetrators (Koss, 1993).
Researchers have attempted to capture undetected sexual perpetrators by using various
methodologies (e.g. s elf-report surveys, in terviews), but sexual a ssault is a complex
phenomenon that is caused by various factors both across, and within, perpetrators.
Prevalence estimates of perpetrated sexual violence vary across populations, but studies using
college samples have demonstrated between 25 and 57 percent of college men acknowledged
committing sexual assault (Abbey and McAuslan, 2004; Abbey et al., 1998, 2001, 2014;
Koss et al., 1987). In addition, 7-15 percent of college men have reported engaging in behaviors
that meet the legal definitions of rape (Abbey and McAuslan, 2004; Abbey et al., 1998, 2001,
2014; Koss et al., 1987). Feminist theory, routine activities theory, and the confluence model are
Received 24 May 2017
Revised 29 June 2017
Accepted 11 July 2017
Leana Bouffard is the Department
Chair at the Department of
Sociology, Iowa State University,
Ames, Iowa, USA.
Amanda Goodson is a Doctoral
Research Assistant at
Sam Houston State University,
Huntsville, Texas, USA.
DOI 10.1108/JACPR-05-2017-0292 VOL. 9 NO. 4 2017, pp.269-278, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1759-6599
j
JOURNAL OF AGGRESSION, CONFLICTAND PEACE RESEARCH
j
PAGE269
To continue reading
Request your trial