Sexual-Perception Processes in Sexual Aggression: A Performance-Based Characterization of Questionnaire Data

Three performance-based characteristics of men’s perceptions of women’s sexual interest are derived from a self-report questionnaire. Sexual-aggression history and rape-supportive attitudes predict (a) reduced sensitivity to women’s negative affect; (b) more liberal response biases; and (c) greater perceived baseline justifiability of continued sexual advances when a woman responds non-negatively.