Keywords

sexual violence, aggression, rejection, rejection sensitivity, perceived injustice

Abstract

PURPOSE: Sexual rejection can be often associated with an aggressive response. Prior research has identified rejection sensitivity as a risk factor for aggressive behavior, however, it has not been investigated in the context of sexual rejection. Highly rejection sensitive men may attend to negative cues, feel “betrayed,” and respond aggressively, especially after consuming alcohol.Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the perpetration of aggressive responses to sexual rejection by examining the roles of rejection sensitivity, perceived injustice, and alcohol use in a sample of young adult men. METHOD: Men (n = 447) who endorsed one lifetime sexual rejection by a woman completed an online survey assessing rejection sensitivity, perceived injustice, and alcohol use from their experience of sexual rejection. Hypotheses were tested using a moderated mediation model examining the direct association between rejection sensitivity and aggressive responses to sexual rejection as well as the indirect effect of perceived injustice on this association. Alcohol use was examined as a moderator of the path between rejection sensitivity and perceived injustice. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Analyses revealed a significant association between rejection sensitivity and aggressive responses. Further, perceived injustice significantly mediated the association between rejection sensitivity and aggressive responses to sexual rejection. There were no significant results related to alcohol use. These findings advance our understanding of risk factors that may influence aggressive responses and sexual aggression and could guide development of effective prevention and intervention strategies addressing sexual assault.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Dunn, Michael

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Identifier

DP0029284

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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