NCJ Number
135594
Journal
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology Volume: 59 Issue: 5 Dated: (October 1991) Pages: 670-681
Date Published
1991
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Structural equation modeling was used to study the characteristics of a sample of 2,652 college men who aggressed against women either sexually, nonsexually, or both.
Abstract
Model specification and evaluation included both a measurement model linking observed variables with their latent constructs and a structural model describing interrelations among latent constructs. The model included 16 measured variables and 5 latent factors. Latent constructs were delinquency, sexual promiscuity, attitudes, hostile masculinity, and coerciveness. Measured variables focused on the home environment (parental violence and child abuse), social isolation, transformations, and background or control characteristics. The model hypothesized that hostile childhood experiences affect involvement in delinquency and lead to aggression through two paths: (1) hostile attitudes and personality which result in coerciveness in both sexual and nonsexual interactions and (2) sexual promiscuity which produces sexual aggression. In addition, sexual and nonsexual coercion were hypothesized to share a common underlying factor. Findings obtained with the college sample supported the model in which a hostile home environment affects delinquency and influences sexuality and hostility paths. The part of the model that received only equivocal support was the path between delinquency and attitudes. Findings on sexual aggression suggested that it results from a combination of relatively high levels of hostile masculinity and sexual promiscuity. Support was also found for the inclusion of a latent factor underlying both sexual and nonsexual aggression against women. 66 references, 2 tables, and 3 figures (Author abstract modified)