The effects of an aggressive-erotic stimulus as a factor for aggressive behavior against women

This proposal examined the effects of the victims' behavioral characteristics in an aggressive-erotic situation on subsequent aggressive behavior and negative attitudes towards women. I was hypothesized that subjects' restraints against women would be lowered if a woman is perceived as finding the sexual aggression towards her as pleasurable. Thirty-three males and fifty-nine females from Introductory Psychology at Algoma University participated in the study. Aggression and negative attitudes were measured by Burt's Rape Myth Acceptance Scale (1980) and through a mock trial scenario. It was found that behavioral characteristics of a victim as well as previous attitudes can affect aggressive behavior and negative attitudes towards women; though not at a significant level for this study. The implications of the findings are discussed.