Risk factors for sexual aggression in young men: an expansion of the confluence model

• Published in: Aggressive behavior Vol. 37; no. 5; pp. 450 - 464
• Main Authors: Abbey, Antonia, Jacques-Tiura, Angela J., LeBreton, James M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.09.2011
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aggression; Aggression - psychology; aggressive behavior; Alcohol; Alcohol Drinking - adverse effects; Alcohol Drinking - psychology; Children; Confluence models; delinquency; Humans; Interview, Psychological; Male; males; Michigan; misperception; Models, Psychological; perpetration; Personal Construct Theory; personality; Personality Assessment; Psychopathy; Risk Factors; Sex Offenses - psychology; Sexual aggression; victimization; Violence - psychology; Women; Young Adult; Young men; Michigan
• ISSN: 0096-140X; 1098-2337; 1098-2337
• DOI: 10.1002/ab.20399

There are many explanations for high rates of sexual aggression, with no one theory dominating the field. This study extends past research by evaluating an expanded version of the confluence model with a community sample. One‐hour audio computer‐assisted self‐interviews were completed by 470 young single men. Using structural equation analyses, delinquency, hostile masculinity, impersonal sex, and misperception of women's sexual cues were positively and directly associated with the number of sexually aggressive acts committed. There were also indirect effects of childhood victimization, personality traits associated with subclinical levels of psychopathy, and alcohol consumption. These findings demonstrate the usefulness of the confluence model, as well as the importance of broadening this theory to include additional constructs. Aggr. Behav. 37:450–464, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.