Narcissism, sexual refusal, and aggression: testing a narcissistic reactance model of sexual coercion

J Pers Soc Psychol. 2003 May;84(5):1027-40. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.84.5.1027.

Abstract

Laboratory analog studies investigated the theory that narcissism and reactance contribute to causing rape. In Study 1, narcissism correlated positively with rape-supportive beliefs and negatively with empathy for rape victims. In Study 2, narcissists reported more enjoyment than other men of film depictions that presented consensual, affectionate activity followed by rape (but not in response to either affection or rape alone). In Study 3, narcissists were more punitive than other men toward a female confederate who refused to read a sexually arousing passage aloud to them.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Coercion*
  • Empathy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Motion Pictures
  • Narcissism*
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data
  • Rape / psychology*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data*
  • Students / psychology