Does the sexual self-control model for women apply to undergraduate men?

Abstract

This study sought to determine whether the variables of the Sexual Self-control Model that predict sexual resourcefulness and consenting to unwanted sexual advances in undergraduate women also apply to undergraduate men. A sample of 124 males completed the Self-Control Schedule that assesses general learned resourcefulness and also the Sexual Resourcefulness Inventory, Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale, Reasons for Consenting to Unwanted Sexual Advances Scale, and Sexual Giving-in Experiences Survey. As hypothesized and paralleling the results for women, higher levels of general learned resourcefulness and sexual self-efficacy, and fewer reasons for consenting to unwanted sexual advances predicted higher levels of sexual resourcefulness in men. Contrary to the previous findings in women, lower sexual resourcefulness was not a unique predictor of consenting to unwanted advances in men. Instead, a mediation model was supported, whereby males having more reasons for consenting to an unwanted sexual activity were more likely to comply despite having higher levels of sexual resourcefulness skills. In addition, men’s consenting experiences and sexual resourcefulness skills were observed to be significantly lower than women’s. Study limitations and implications for future research are discussed.