Citation

Kiefer R, Peterson R, Orchowski LM. Violence Against Women 2023; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/10778012231222492

PMID

38146200

Abstract

Studies suggest that actively fighting back against an attacker is effective in decreasing the severity and completion of a sexual assault, yet little is known about the factors that contribute to women's confidence in fighting back. Accordingly, the present study examines correlates of college women's self-efficacy in resisting unwanted sexual advances (N = 650).

RESULTS suggest that fewer psychological barriers to resistance, greater sexual communication, increased use of dating self-protective behaviors, and greater sexual assertiveness were associated with increased sexual resistance self-efficacy.

FINDINGS underscore the importance of developing sexual assault prevention programs that increase women's confidence in fighting back.

Language: en

Keywords

college women; resistance self-efficacy; sexual victimization