The Influence of Dark Personality on Sexual Coercion: Mediating Effect of Loneliness and Sexual Coping

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

This study was conducted to confirm that loneliness and sexual coping mediate the effects of dark personality on sexual coercion. Researchers have pointed out that dark areas of human personality can be responsible for many crimes and sexual problems. Especially in sexual offending, it was explained that interpersonal relationship difficulties cause loneliness and sexual coping, resulting in sexual problems. To prove this, a survey was conducted on 1,000 adult males in Korea using measures of dark personality, loneliness, sexual coping, and sexual coercion validated by prior research. The model in which dark personality is partially mediated through loneliness and sexual coping was the most valid. Specifically, Machiavellianism and psychopathy were dually mediated through loneliness and sexual coping, while sadism showed mediation effects only through sexual coping. On the other hand, narcissism showed a negative relationship with loneliness and sexual coping. This suggests that the dark personality may influence sexual coercion through loneliness and coping styles. The theoretical discussion of the four personality types, the importance of sexual coping strategies, and the limitations of the study were discussed.

Authors

• Wonyoung Song, Konyang University

• Daniel R. Lee, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

• Bitna Kim, Sam Houston State University

• Sunah Ho, Konyang University