Females' Perception of Date Rape

Abstract

This study examined the effect of perceived token resistance and previous sexual contact on women's ability to discriminate when a female wants her partner to stop making sexual advances. Female college students were randomly assigned to one of four conditions. Prior to listening to an audiotaped date rape, participants were told that the couple had been on five dates. Participants were informed that on the previous date the man had manipulated the woman's breasts or genitals. In addition, participants were told the woman did not object to this contact, or the woman initially objected to the contact but subsequently stopped resisting contact. Compared to participants in the no resistance conditions, participants in the perceived token resistance conditions took significantly longer to determine when the man should refrain from attempting further sexual contact. The implications of the findings are discussed.