An International Perspective on the Moderating effect of Alcohol on the Relationship between Impulsivity, Misogyny, and Sexual Aggression

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Research indicates that the majority of sexual assaults involve alcohol use. However, studies have not yet clarified how other behavioral tendencies may interact with other risk factors to predict sexual aggression. The present study examines the moderating effect of alcohol use on the relationship between misogynistic attitudes, impulsivity, and sexual assault perpetration. Male college students from two Midwest Universities (n= 333) and one public university in the Philippines (n= 43) completed an anonymous, online survey that measured alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), impulsivity (Barrat Impulsivity Scale – 11), and misogynistic attitudes (Attitudes Towards Male Sexual Dating Violence). Participants also completed a Sexual Experiences Survey that assessed frequency of past acts of sexual aggression. A generalized linear model indicated a significant three-way interaction effect of alcohol use, impulsivity, and misogynist attitudes in predicting acts of sexual aggression (b= 2.696, p< .001). Specifically, at high levels of impulsivity, individuals with greater alcohol use and high levels of misogynistic attitudes tend to also have a higher number of predicted sexually aggressive acts. Significant two-way interactions and main effects of alcohol and impulsivity on perpetration will also be presented. Implications for future research and sexual assault prevention programming will be discussed.

Authors

• Jessie J. Tibbs, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• MJ Schlosser, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Elizabeth C. Low, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Antover Tuliao, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Mario J. Scalora, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Dennis E. McChargue, University of Nebraska - Lincoln