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Such a tease: intentional sexual provocation within heterosexual interactions.
Cindy M Meston1, Lucia F O'Sullivan
1Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, One University Station A8000, Austin, Texas 78712, USA. meston@psy.utexas.edu
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|March 7, 2007
Summary
Sexual teasing, a common behavior, was explored in 742 students. Women reported more instances, with generally positive outcomes for those initiating the teasing.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Human Sexuality
Background:
- Sexual teasing involves promising sexual contact then withdrawing.
- It aims to create tension and involves a power dynamic.
- Little research has focused on this interpersonal behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of sexual teasing among university students.
- To understand motives, relationship dynamics, and outcomes of sexual teasing.
- To explore gender differences in engaging in sexual teasing.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 742 undergraduate students (143 men, 599 women).
- Participants reported on engagement, motives, relationship history, and outcomes of sexual teasing.
- Data analyzed to identify patterns and gender differences.
Main Results:
- Sexual teasing is common in both men and women.
- Women reported engaging in sexual teasing more frequently than men.
- Outcomes were perceived as more positive for the elicitor than the target.
Conclusions:
- Sexual teasing is a prevalent behavior with generally positive perceived outcomes for initiators.
- Further research is needed to understand communication of sexual intentions and consent.
- Findings can inform models of communication and negotiation in sexual interactions.
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