Reducing risk for sexual victimization: an analysis of the perceived socioemotional consequences of self-protective behaviors

J Interpers Violence. 2012 Jun;27(9):1743-61. doi: 10.1177/0886260511430391. Epub 2011 Dec 26.

Abstract

The current study examined college women's perceptions of the positive and negative socioemotional consequences associated with engaging in self-protective behaviors to reduce risk for sexual victimization. At baseline, women completed assessments of the extent to which they would experience positive or negative socioemotional consequences as a result of engaging in various self-protective behaviors. At a 2-month follow-up, women reported on their engagement in self-protective behaviors and experience of sexual victimization over the interim (N = 143). At baseline, some self-protective strategies were perceived as having more positive or negative socioemotional consequences than others. Perceiving a high level of negative socioemotional consequences associated with taking precautions prior to a date was associated with sexual victimization over the 2-month follow-up.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Assertiveness*
  • Attitude*
  • Courtship*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Midwestern United States
  • Risk Reduction Behavior*
  • Sex Offenses / prevention & control*
  • Young Adult