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This study investigates the connections between giving in to unwanted sexual activity and self-esteem. Many college women report engaging in unwanted sexual activity (USA) because of a man’s verbal pressure. There is evidence that USA relates to low self-esteem. Critiques of the concept of self-esteem have distinguished between global self-esteem and self-esteem in specific domains. According to research, global self-esteem is associated with general psychological well-being, whereas specific self-esteem is associated with actual behavior. In a sample of 141 college women, who completed a questionnaire three months apart, a measure of traumatic sexuality (often a consequence of childhood sexual abuse) at Time 1 related positively to risk of giving in to unwanted sexual activity at Time 2. General self-esteem at Time 1 did not relate to giving in to unwanted sexual activity at Time 2. Of women who experienced pressured sexual activity, lower general and sexual self-esteem scores correlated with reasons for giving in to the sexual activity related to avoiding relationship tension.
Advisor: | Muehlenhard, Charlene |
Commitee: | Denney, Doug, Higgins, Ray |
School: | University of Kansas |
Department: | Psychology |
School Location: | United States -- Kansas |
Source: | MAI 47/06M, Masters Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Womens studies, Clinical psychology, Personality psychology |
Keywords: | Prospective, Sexual coercion, Sexual pressure, Sexual self-esteem, Sexual self-image, Traumatic sexuality |
Publication Number: | 1467114 |
ISBN: | 978-1-109-26588-0 |