Predicting sexual aggression among college men: the role of male peer groups and sexualized media
The purpose of this study was to examine various components of the confluence model (Malamuth et al., 1991) of sexual aggression with a population of contemporary college men. The confluence model is the theory most commonly used to predict sexual assault perpetration among college men and is composed of two intercorrelated pathways: hostile masculinity and impersonal sex. Hostile masculinity is composed of negative attitudes and beliefs towards women while impersonal sex is characterized by engaging in sexual relationships that lack emotional closeness. This study investigated various components of the confluence model as predictors of sexual aggression among college men. The potential influence of membership in male socialization peer groups, such as fraternities and athletic teams, and their impact on sexual aggression was examined. In addition, the present study aimed to add to the existing literature by specifically investigating the effects of modern forms of sexualized media on various predictors in the confluence model. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed partial support for components of the confluence model. Significant mediating and moderating effects of confluence model variables were present. Contrary to hypotheses, the level of consumption of sexualized media did not moderate any of the pathways to sexual aggression. Membership in a fraternity was associated with higher levels of reported sexual aggression. This finding may highlight the importance of certain male peer group membership as one factor in sexual aggression among college men. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
sexual aggression, male peer groups, sexualized media, Confluence model
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign