Perceived Behavioral Control in Sexual Consent: Effects on Sexual Satisfaction Following Sexual Assault

Sexual assault disrupts numerous aspects of sexual functioning, such as sexual satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction defined as the sense of positive emotions and fulfillment derived from sexual encounters. Related to sexual satisfaction, the ability to establish and seek consent is thought to play a critical role in promoting sexual satisfaction. Conversely, a lack of perceived behavioral control to engage in consent behaviors may compound the adverse effects of sexual assault on sexual satisfaction. Despite these potential connections, limited research has explored the interaction between sexual assault, lack of perceived behavioral control, and sexual satisfaction, thus, the current study aims to address these gaps in the literature. Our study utilized an anonymous, online survey where participants (N = 405) reported the severity of past-year sexual assault and lifetime sexual assault, sexual satisfaction, and lack of perceived behavioral control to seek consent in sexual situations. Moderation analyses revealed that sexual assault in the past-year impacted the relationship between perceived behavioral control and sexual satisfaction, where higher levels of perceived control led to higher levels of satisfaction when the sexual assault was less severe. Examining the interaction between sexual assault and perceived behavioral control offers insight into additional factors that influence sexual well-being among survivors, offering valuable insights for identifying treatment targets. Additionally, this may inform future research to investigate how risk reduction programs that bolster protective behavioral strategies to prevent victimization and build sexual assertiveness skills enhanced perceived control and consent behaviors.