Modifiable Risk and Protective Factors of Sexual Aggression among U.S. Navy Service Members.

Area of Science:

• Military Psychology
• Sexual Violence Prevention
• Sociology of the Military

Background:

• Empirical research on sexual aggression in military settings is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
• Understanding modifiable risk and protective factors is essential for targeted interventions within the armed forces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine risk and protective factors associated with sexual aggression in enlisted, active duty Navy service members.
• To investigate how these associations are moderated by sex.

Main Methods:

• Online survey administered to 478 active duty Navy service members.
• Measures included demographics, risk factors (rape myth acceptance, heavy episodic drinking, workplace sexual harassment), protective factors (consent-supportive behaviors, bystander efficacy, personal sexual beliefs, perceived sexual norms), and sexual aggression.
• Bivariate and hierarchical logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations and sex-moderated effects.

Main Results:

• Rape myth acceptance and exposure to workplace sexual harassment were significantly associated with increased sexual aggression risk.
• Higher likelihood of consent-supportive behaviors was associated with decreased sexual aggression risk.
• Rape myth acceptance increased aggression risk primarily in males, while consent-supportive behaviors decreased risk primarily in females.

Conclusions:

• Prevention programs should be tailored based on sex, focusing on reducing rape myth acceptance in males and promoting consent-supportive behaviors in females.
• Efforts to reduce workplace sexual harassment and foster healthier work environments are critical for mitigating sexual aggression in the Navy.