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Evaluative Attitudes May Explain the Link Between Injunctive Norms and Sexual Aggression
Chloe I Pedneault1, Kevin L Nunes1, Chantal A Hermann1,2
1Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|June 11, 2020
Summary
Peer approval of sexual aggression influences male students' attitudes, which in turn predict their sexually aggressive behavior. This highlights potential targets for sexual aggression prevention programs.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Sociology
Background:
- Sexual aggression remains a significant issue among male undergraduate students.
- Understanding the psychological and social factors influencing sexual aggression is crucial for effective prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating role of evaluative attitudes toward sexual aggression.
- To examine the relationship between injunctive norms and self-reported sexual aggression.
- To explore these dynamics in a sample of male undergraduate students.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 200 male undergraduate students.
- Assessed history of sexual aggression and likelihood of future engagement.
- Tested mediation models linking injunctive norms, evaluative attitudes, and sexual aggression.
Main Results:
- Positive evaluative attitudes toward sexual aggression mediated the link between peer approval (injunctive norms) and both past and future sexual aggression.
- Approximately 25% of participants reported past sexual aggression.
Conclusions:
- Evaluative attitudes are a key factor explaining how peer norms influence sexual aggression.
- Findings support existing theories of criminal behavior and sexual offending.
- Suggests that prevention programs targeting norms and attitudes may reduce sexual aggression.
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