Young men are often coerced into sex they do not want, a recent study says.
The research was published in March in Psychology of Men and Masculinity, a journal of the American Psychological Association (APA).
Researchers surveyed group of 284 males who ranged in age from 14 to 26. They asked questions about sexual coercion – having unwanted sexual experiences - which could range from fondling and kissing to completed intercourse.
Overall, 43% of the young men said they’d been sexually coerced. The vast majority (95%) of the coercers were female.
The most commonly-reported coercion tactics were:
- Verbal pressure. Perpetrators begged or nagged for sex.
- Manipulation. One respondent said, “If my girlfriend is sad about something whether is concerning me or not she pressures me into having sexual intercourse with her.”
- Physical force. This method was experienced by 18% of those surveyed.
- Substance use. Some young men’s experiences involved drugs or alcohol.
Some respondents said they were seduced or they gave in to peer pressure. Others were victims of statutory rape (sexually coerced by an older partner) or had unwanted sex to avoid disappointing their partner.
The researchers found that coercion did not appear to affect the participants’ self-esteem. However, those who were coerced into having intercourse were more prone to drinking and risky sexual behaviors.
“Sexual victimization continues to be a pervasive problem in the United States, but the victimization of men is rarely explored,” lead author Bryana H. French, PhD said in an APA press release. “Our findings can help lead to better prevention by identifying the various types of coercion that men face and by acknowledging women as perpetrators against men.”
Resources
American Psychological Association
”Coerced Sex Not Uncommon for Young Men, Teenage Boys, Study Finds”
(March 25, 2014)
http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2014/03/coerced-sex.aspx
Psychology of Men & Masculinity
French, Bryana H., et al.
“Sexual Coercion Context and Psychosocial Correlates Among Diverse Males”
(Full-text. March 2014)
http://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/men-a0035915.pdf
Time
Alter, Charlotte
“Nearly Half of Young Men Say They’ve Had ‘Unwanted’ Sex”
(March 25, 2014)
http://time.com/37337/nearly-half-of-young-men-say-theyve-had-unwanted-sex/
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
