PATTERNS OF SEXUAL COERCION IN ADULT HETEROSEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS - AN EXPLORATION OF MALE VICTIMIZATION

The sexual coercion. of adult males by females in heterosexual relatio nships has received little empirical attention. The purpose of this st udy was to identify and describe such relationships-in comparison. wit h relationships involving the sexual coercion of females, of both male s and females, and of neither-through analysis of data for 3,032 coupl es that completed the Preparation for Marriage instrument (Holman, Bus by, & Larson, 1989). Current individual and couple characteristics wer e investigated for male subjects and their partners. The results revea led greater deficiencies in relational resources and commitment in coe rcive versus noncoercive couples. In addition, gender differences were noted among results for different victim/offender configurations.