Understanding perpetrators of nonphysical sexual coercion: Characteristics of those who cross the line

Abstract

This study examines nonphysical sexual coercion, a form of male sexual misconduct in which tactics such as verbal pressure are used to gain sexual contact with an unwilling female partner. The research compares sexually coercive males (n = 81) with nonoffending college males (n = 223) across various risk domains. Findings reveal that coercers more often endorse rape myths, perceive violence as acceptable, exhibit hostility toward females, and view male-female relationships as adversarial. Coercers also demonstrate higher levels of promiscuity, delinquency, psychopathy, empathy deficits, and childhood abuse. The study finds parallels between predictors of sexual coercion and those documented for forcible rape, highlighting significant differences between nonoffenders and those who engage in sexually coercive acts.