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3-5-2019

The Art of Seduction: Male Perceptions of Sexual Willingness

Lisa Starrett Utah State University

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Recommended Citation Starrett, Lisa, "The Art of Seduction: Male Perceptions of Sexual Willingness" (2019). Research on Capitol Hill. Paper 120. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/roch/120

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Lisa Starrett, Utah State University | Dr. Kathryn Sperry, Utah State University

Introduction Methods Vignette Samples

The United States continues to have the In an ongoing study, a survey is “Until the person you are pursuing highest sexual assault rates of any distributed to college-aged males (18-30 weakens and succumbs.” developed nation. years old.) The survey contains 5 vignettes: 3 quoted from “The Art of “Allowing you to push it further with The vast majority of sexual assault something bolder and more aggressive.” research studies exclusively female Seduction” and 2 consensual controls. survivors. This overlooks half of the For each vignette, participants answer: “A seducer cannot be timid or merciful.” nation’s population. To find holistic 1. Would you recommend this advice to solutions, we must address both genders. a friend? “Even if she doesn’t kiss back, still force on, regardless!” The current study addresses: 2. Have you tried this tactic before? If Figure 3 - These 8 states mandate consent • The male experience yes, how effective was it? education in school. 6 of these states have the 3. Will you try this advice in the future? “She may resist, yet she wants to be Recent research shows significant overcome.” lowest rape rates in the country. numbers of men react with shock, guilt, Preliminary data shows men endorsing shame, and depression when non-consensual advice. “Of course she struggles, but that is only a confronted with sexual assault charges. sign her emotions are engaged.” Conclusions This opens questions of intent. Gender-divisive • Confirmation bias & “echo chambers” “By isolating your victims, you make them The vast popularity of “The Art of Social media and preference tracking echo chambers more vulnerable to your influence.” Seduction” validates it as a cultural mirror. amplify our tendency to see information that confirms our existing worldview. Individuals live within “echo chambers.” When sex health This further separates genders. Social & Behavioral Rape myths within one chamber thrive as Psychology professionals truth in another. • Environmental learning factors rated vignettes Without holistic sex education in Explanation: For progress reducing sexual assault, we Behaviors are taken from “The schools, boys learn about sex from Art of Seduction,” must recognize environmental differences peers, media, and pornography. learned through and start conversation across gender lines. classical and operant an internationally conditioning. A best-selling men’s School education can bridge this gap. Study conducted with funding from a USU Honors dating book, they Grant and Psychology Departmental funding. taught, reinforced, & unpunished behavior found significant will continue into non-consensual Lisa Starrett advice. Utah State University adulthood. Department of Psychology [email protected] Productive sexual assault conversation begins with empathy.