Misaligned Sexual Desires Resulting in Sex: What Do We Call This and How Is It Perceived?

• In Event: The Social Construction of Sexual Violence

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to propose and test a novel theory of a form of verbally coerced sex, resulting from misaligned sexual desires. The theory conceptualizes this form of sex as a dynamic exchange between two actors, one who utilizes tactics to obtain sex and one who responds to the tactics. In addition to expanding the current conceptualization of a form of verbally coerced sex, this project will assess a college convenience sample’s sensitivity to the three gradations of the tactics (pressure, manipulation, blackmail) and three responses (rejection, acquiescence, capitulation). Participants will read vignettes with the three gradations and then rate each actor on level of responsibility and the extent to which the situation constituted a form of coercion. If established, these findings can be used to guide policy makers who develop healthy sex awareness programming and law makers seeking guidance on when to criminalize acts of unwanted sexual contact.

Authors

• Tracy L. Tamborra, University of New Haven

• Leila B. Dutton, University of New Haven

• Fadia M. Narchet, University of New Haven

• Megan M. Trafford, University of New Haven

• Isabel M. Velez, University of New Haven