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Methodologic concerns regarding estimates of physical violence in sexual coercion: overstatement or understatement?
C Alksnis1, S Desmarais, C Senn
1University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|August 19, 2000
Summary
Criticism of sexual violence surveys is addressed by this study. Findings indicate that threats of force are as common as physical force in sexual coercion, and prevalence estimates remain stable when both are combined.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Sociology
Background:
- Self-report measures of sexual violence face criticism for potentially overestimating prevalence.
- Detractors argue that including threats of physical violence inflates reported rates of sexual aggression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of threats versus physical force in sexual coercion.
- To assess the impact of distinguishing between threats and force on prevalence estimates of sexual violence.
Main Methods:
- A revised Sexual Experiences Scale was administered to female undergraduates (N=180).
- The scale was modified to differentiate between sexual coercion involving physical force and threats of physical violence.
Main Results:
- Physical force was as likely as, and sometimes more likely than, threats in sexual aggression.
- Prevalence figures for three out of four sexual acts were not significantly altered when threats and force were combined.
Conclusions:
- The distinction between threats and force in sexual coercion measures may not significantly alter overall prevalence.
- Future research should consider the nuances of sexual aggression measurement to accurately capture women's experiences.
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