Citation

Hagen T, Thompson MP, Williams J. J. Sci. Study Relig. 2018; 57(1): 95-108.

Affiliation

Department of Youth, Family, and Community Studies, Clemson University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/jssr.12496

PMID

30349145

PMCID

PMC6195355

Abstract

Extensive literature suggests that religiosity is a protective factor in reducing a number of deviant behaviors, including sexual aggression. Whereas previous research focused on the role of risky alcohol consumption in mediating the relationship between religiosity and sexual aggression, this study explores the hypothesized meditational paths from religiosity to sexual aggression and technology-based coercive behavior through peer norms, pornography consumption, and promiscuity.

FINDINGS from a four-year longitudinal study of male college students suggest that peer norms and promiscuity mediate the relationship between religiosity and both outcome measures, while pornography consumption mediates the relationship between religiosity and technology-based coercive behavior. These findings may inform ongoing practice and future research into possible mechanisms by which problematic sexual behaviors may be influenced.

Language: en

Keywords

peer norms; pornography; promiscuity; religiosity; sexual aggression; technology-based coercive behavior