ATHLETES AND RAPE - IS THERE A CONNECTION

The present study builds upon previous research examining variables re lated to sexual assault. Previous studies have linked sexual aggressio n with attitudes toward rape as well as hostility toward women. Recent high-profile cases involving athletes and sexual assault have raised questions about the link with athletes. In fact, recent research has s uggested that athletes may be more prone to commit rape; however, no s tudy has examined competitiveness. This characteristic, associated wit h athletes, may predict sexual aggression and help assess why rape is reportedly perpetrated by athletes significantly more frequently than by nonathletes. It may be that individuals with high competitiveness m ay be more likely to be involved in sexual assaults. Scores on Competi tiveness in 104 college men were significantly correlated with reporte d sexual aggression and athletic participation; however, there was no significant difference between athletes and nonathletes on aggressive sexual behavior. These findings suggest that characteristics of athlet es rather than athletic participation alone must be considered further in examining the presumed link between athletes and sexual assault.