Predictors of sexually coercive behavior in a nationally representative sample of adolescent males

Citation

Casey, Erin A.; Beadnell, Blair; & Lindhorst, Taryn P. (2009). Predictors of sexually coercive behavior in a nationally representative sample of adolescent males. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. vol. 24 (7) pp. 1129-1147

Abstract

Data from male participants in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health are used to examine childhood predictors of late adolescent and early adulthood sexually coercive behavior and adolescent mediators of these relationships. A path analysis shows that experiencing sexual abuse as a child has a direct effect on perpetrating subsequent coercion that is partially mediated by early sexual initiation. Involvement in delinquent activities in adolescence was the only additional significant predictor of sexually coercive behavior and completely mediated the relationship between physical abuse in childhood and later sexual coercion. Of note, more than half of men reporting sexually aggressive acts had no history of childhood victimization, so pathways to sexually coercive behavior for this group remain unidentified. In addition to the universal prevention approaches currently in use in the field, these findings suggest that targeted prevention programs need to be formulated for youth with histories of childhood sexual or physical abuse.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0886260508322198

Keyword(s)

Sexual Behavior

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Interpersonal Violence

Author(s)

Casey, Erin A.
Beadnell, Blair
Lindhorst, Taryn P.

Year Published

2009

Volume Number

24

Issue Number

7

Pages

1129-1147

DOI

10.1177/0886260508322198

Reference ID

953