The differential correlates of sexual coercion and rape

Typically, sexual coercion has been viewed as a less serious form of sexual aggression than attempted rape or rape. However, sexual coercion may be better understood as a qualitatively different type of sexual aggression experience. We examined the correlates of sexual coercion and rape/attempted rape experiences separately among a sample of young women who were at increased risk of sexual victimization as a result of their high levels of sexual activity and alcohol consumption. We hypothesized that personality variables would be associated with sexual coercion but not rape experiences. We found that low self-esteem, low assertiveness, and high sex-related alcohol expectancies were associated with sexual coercion experiences but not with rape or attempted rape. Higher levels of casual sexual activity and alcohol consumption were associated with both types of experiences. Findings suggest that sexual coercion may be prevented by improving sexual assertiveness and weakening alcohol expectancies to emphasize personal control.