The Frequency of Sexual Perpetration in College Men: A Systematic Review of Reported Prevalence Rates From 2000 to 2017
- PMID: 31296122
- PMCID: PMC11484481
- DOI: 10.1177/1524838019860619
The Frequency of Sexual Perpetration in College Men: A Systematic Review of Reported Prevalence Rates From 2000 to 2017
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of sexual perpetration in college men is unknown. Prior reviews of sexual violence prevalence rates have produced wide-ranging estimates, likely due to wide variation in measurement strategies.
Objectives: This article systematically reviewed research findings (from 2000 to 2017) regarding prevalence rates of sexual perpetration in college men and measurement strategies. Data Sources: PsycINFO and Web of Science databases. Eligibility Criteria: Empirical reports published between 2000 and 2017 that included male participants, available in English, and reported lifetime prevalence findings in Canadian or American college students. Participants: Data from 78 independent samples including 25,524 college men.
Results: The average prevalence rate of any sexual perpetration was 29.3% (SD = 16.8), and the average rate of rape was 6.5% (SD = 6.3). Studies that used non-Sexual Experiences Survey (SES)-based questionnaires recorded higher prevalence rates (41.5%) than SES-using studies (26.2%). At least 16 different sexual perpetration questionnaires were identified. Modifying standardized questionnaires was extremely common; this was reported in over half of the studies. Studies using modified standardized questionnaires found higher prevalence rates of sexual perpetration than studies using nonmodified standardized questionnaires.
Limitations: This report focused exclusively on college men in the United States and Canada.
Conclusions and implications: On average, 29% of college males report engaging in behaviors defined as sexual perpetration; however, there was a strong influence of measurement strategy on reported rates.
Keywords: assessment; campus sexual assault; measurement; prevalence; rape; sexual aggression; sexual coercion; sexual perpetration.
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References
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- Anderson RE, Cahill SP, & Delahanty DL (2017). Initial Evidence for the Reliability and Validity of the Sexual Experience Survey-Short Form Perpetration (SES-SFP) in College Men. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma. 10.1080/10926771.2017.1330296 - DOI
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