| Abstract: | This study examined the role of perceived token resistance and previous sexual contact on women's ability to discriminate when a female wants her partner to stop his sexual advances. Participants included 101 White female undergraduate students and were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions: 1) perceived resistance with genital contact; 2) no resistance with genital contact; 3) perceived resistance with no genital contact; and 4) no resistance without genital contact. Subjects listened to an audiotaped date rape after being informed of the couple's sexual history based on the condition assigned to them. They were also informed that the couple had been on five previous dates, in which the man had manipulated the woman's breasts or genitals. In addition, the woman did not object to this contact, or the woman initially objected to the contact but subsequently stopped resisting contact. Participants in the perceived token resistance conditions took significantly longer to determine when the man should refrain from attempting further sexual contact. The findings of this study could be used to increase information on date rape, to educate individuals about the responses associated with date rape, and to reinforce rules concerning appropriate sexual behavior. |
