Psychophysiological, Sexual, and Behavioral Predictors of Sexual Aggression in Young, Heterosexual Men

Sexual violence and aggression are highly prevalent, yet, the factors that contribute to sexually aggressive behavior are still poorly understood. Empirical reviews and a recent meta-analysis show that existing prevention programs have limited effectiveness, and even can have negative effects, especially in high-risk men. The proposed research starts from the premise that our approach to the prevention of sexual aggression could benefit from the differentiation between, and a better understanding of, different typologies of perpetrators, with different roles for general and sexual (e.g., sexual excitation/inhibition) personality traits, negative affect, and self-regulation. In previous studies, we have found that a low propensity for sexual inhibition is a predictor of sexual aggression. Also, using psychophysiological methods (incorporating sexual arousal and mood inductions), we found that men with histories of sexual aggression can be characterized as either more anxious/reactive or more callous/proactive. In the current research, we will use questionnaire, psychophysiological (sexual response, cortisol, HRV), observational (behavioral coding of social interactions), and daily diary (mood, nightlife behaviors) methods to more systematically examine different perpetrator profiles and links between sexual arousal, mood, self-regulation and sexual aggression in young, heterosexual men. As part of this research, we will examine associations with sexual and nonsexual personality traits, alcohol, drug, and porn use, and risky sexual practices (e.g., condom use).

Keywords:Sexual aggression, Psychophysiology, Personality, Experience sampling, Sexual arousal

Disciplines:Sexology, Psychophysiology, Health psychology