Date of Award

January 2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Raeann E. Anderson

Second Advisor

Andre Kehn

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the role of sexual motives as a predictor of sexual violence, considering impersonal sex as a key component in developing intervention and prevention programs. In doing so, this study will fill a gap in the literature by prioritizing sexual motives. Method: Data from two hundred and seven male college students will be analyzed. Participants were analyzed as those who endorsed perpetration and those who did not endorse perpetration and those who endorsed attempted rape and rape. Participants responded to the Sexual Experiences Survey, Revised Conflict Tactic Scales, the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale, Alcohol Expectancies Regarding Sex, Aggression, Sexual Motives Scale, Sexual Vulnerability Questionnaire and the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding. Data analysis included a series of T tests and logistic regressions, as well as a relative risk analyses. Results: All sexual motives were endorsed at higher levels by perpetrators than non-perpetrators and were statistically significant except for the coping subscale motive. Alcohol expectancy levels had a significant relationship to both sexual violence perpetration and rape and attempted rape. Peer approval and self-affirmation sexual motives also had a significant relationship with rape and attempted rape perpetration. Conclusion: Prior research has not focused on sexual motives when studying sexual violence perpetration. Results found that some sexual motives, self-affirmation and peer approval had a significant predictive relationship to the perpetration of rape and attempted rape. Notably, these motives are motives that are not focused on partner approval or pleasure. Every sexual motive subscale was endorsed at higher levels by perpetrators than non-perpetrators potentially indicating that individuals who have had at least one non-consensual sexual encounter have more sexual encounters as a whole. This implication suggests more education programs that emphasize healthy, consensual sexual relationships.

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