High school students' perceptions of nonconsensual sexual activity

A total of 588 secondary students completed a 25-item survey on perceptions regarding nonconsensual sexual activity. Subjects included an equal percentage of males and females and were predominantely White (61%), freshmen (67%), and of lower academic achievement (< 3.0 GPA = 57%). Females, African Americans, and those with low academic achievement were more likely to perceive that all or most of their same sex peers were having sex. African American students and those with low academic achievement were significantly more likely than White students and students with high academic achievement (> 3.0 GPA) to perceive that all or most of their close friends were having sex. Females were more knowledgeable of nonconsensual sexual activity than were males. Significant differences existed on attitudes and behavioral intentions by gender, race, academic achievement, and perceived sexual activity of close friends.