Authors:
Curtis Scott Dunkel Western Illinois University, Macomb, USA
Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois, USA

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Eugene Mathes Western Illinois University, Macomb, USA

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Abstract

The current investigation was undertaken to examine the possible role of life history (LH) strategy in the correspondence between being a victim of sexual coercion and being a perpetrator. Although victimhood was associated with LH strategies for males, and LH strategy was associated with perpetration for both sexes, mediation by LH strategy between victimhood and perpetrating was not supported. Support was found for life history strategy as a moderator, but only for females. Females with a fast life history strategy coupled with high levels of victimhood exhibited the highest levels of perpetration. The results were found while controlling for individual differences in age, aggression and self-control. While a correspondence between general (not sex specific) victimhood and perpetration was found, the relationship was not moderated by life history strategy. The role of LH strategy in accounting for individual difference in sexual coercion is discussed. It is speculated that greater plasticity in sexuality is a LH characteristic in females.

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Journal of Evolutionary Psychology 
Language English
Size  
Year of
Foundation
2007 (2003)
Publication
Programme
changed title
Volumes
per Year
 
Issues
per Year
 
Founder Akadémiai Kiadó
Founder's
Address
H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245.
Publisher Akadémiai Kiadó
Publisher's
Address
H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245.
Responsible
Publisher
Chief Executive Officer, Akadémiai Kiadó
ISSN 1789-2082 (Print)
ISSN 2060-5587 (Online)