Physical Attractiveness and Motivation in Sexual Violence

• In Event: Explaining the Drivers of Sexual Violence

Abstract

In this study, I investigate and directly test Richard Felson’s (2002) hypothesis that physical attractiveness has a positive linear relationship with one’s risk of being a victim of sexual violence. This analysis also indirectly tests the assumption generally held by the Feminist perspective that physical attractiveness is unrelated to sexual victimization. To accomplish this, I employ Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health’s (Add Health) public-use dataset, with a focus on self-reported physically forced sexual victimization and self-reported “coerced” sexual victimization (involving intoxication, verbal coercion, etc.). Attractiveness appears to have an effect for those deemed less attractive but no differentiated effect for those deemed moderately to highly attractive. These findings indicate partial support and partial refutation of Felson’s (2002) hypothesis, as well as indirect partial support and refutation of the traditional feminist perspective.

Author

• James Michael O'Berry, Texas A&M University-San Antonio