Age as a modifier of sexually aggressive attitudes in men

Abstract

Male attitudes and behaviours related to imagined sexual aggression were investigated in 99 Finnish men (mean age 24.3 years). Structural equation modelling suggested that imagined sexual aggression was directly predicted by hostile masculine ideologies and past antisocial acts, and indirectly by subject age (hostile masculinity decreased with age). For more detailed analyses of age effects on attitudes, the subjects were split into an older and a younger group. A small group of incarcerated rapists (n = 8; mean age 33.4 years) was included for comparative purposes; these were similar in age to the older group (n = 34; mean age 31.5 years) and were given the same attitude items. The younger men and the rapists expressed significantly more hostility toward women and acceptance of rape myths, and had a higher likelihood of committing rape than older men. Although younger men accepted interpersonal violence and sexual dominance, their attitudes were not necessarily reflected in past sexually aggressive behaviours, as they were in the rapists who differed from the younger men mainly in terms of their past antisocial activities.

Factors Influencing Attitudes to Violence Against Women

“…At the same time, among the youngest age groups, and males in particular, younger people have worse attitudes than their older counterparts. A series of international studies document that boys and young men are more likely than older men to endorse rape-supportive norms and to report a likelihood of committing rape (Aromaki, Haebich, & Lindman, 2002), whereas there are either no age-related differences among young females (Hutchinson, tess, gleckman, Hagans, & Reese, 1994) or gender differences that are greatest among younger individuals (Anderson et al, 2004). Among Australian youth aged 12 to 20, younger boys aged 12 to 14 showed higher support for violence-supportive attitudes than older males (NCP, 2001).…”

The Roles of Traditional Gender Myths and Beliefs About Beating on Self-Reported Partner Violence

“…In addition, research findings shows that younger individuals below age 55 show improved attitudes toward beating (Carlson & Worden, 2005). Nonetheless, a series of international studies have shown that young males in particular are likely than older men to hold negative attitudes and endorse rape-supportive norms as well as reporting a likelihood of committing rape (Aromaki, Haebich, & Lindman, 2002).…”

The Influence of Fantasy Proneness, Dissociation, and Vividness of Mental Imagery on Male’s Aggressive Sexual Fantasies

“…Also, in Knight and Sims-Knight’s (2003) unified model, an attitudinal factor termed “negative masculinity” loaded on to the “callous/unemotional traits” latent variable, which, as mentioned, strongly influenced aggressive sexual fantasies in community males. Similarly, using SEM, Aromäki et al (2002) found that the latent factor “hostile masculinity” (defined by hostile attitudes toward women, sexual dominance, and rape myths) had a direct influence on men’s “imagined sexual aggression,” a latent variable partially defined by coercive sexual fantasies.…”

“…Indeed, a number of studies have reported such findings using nonoffending males (Aromäki, Haebich, & Lindman, 2002; Bartels & Gannon, 2009; Dean & Malamuth, 1997; Greendlinger & Byrne, 1987; Plaud & Bigwood, 1997; Smeaton & Byrne, 1987; Zurbriggen & Yost, 2004). Also, in Knight and Sims-Knight’s (2003) unified model, an attitudinal factor termed “negative masculinity” loaded on to the “callous/unemotional traits” latent variable, which, as mentioned, strongly influenced aggressive sexual fantasies in community males.…”

“…Similarly, using structural equation modeling, Aromäki et al (2002) found that the latent factor 'hostile masculinity' (defined by hostile attitudes women, sexual dominance, and rapemyths) had a direct influence on men's 'imagined sexual aggression'; a latent variable partially defined by coercive sexual fantasies.…”