Go Back Research Article May, 2003

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

Author Roy F. Baumeister Author Brad J. Bushman Author Angelica M. Bonacci Author Mirjam van Dijk

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. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Keywords

Narcissism Sexual Refusal Aggression Narcissistic Reactance Sexual Coercion Rape-Supportive Beliefs Empathy Deficit Punitive Behavior Sexual Aggression Psychological Reactance Laboratory Studies Affectionate Activity Narcissistic Behavior Sexual Arousal Aggressive Response BDSM Gagging Rape Gag Gagged Reactance Consent Violation Film Depictions Rape Enjoyment Male Aggression Rape Causation Power Dynamics Sexual Aggression Aggressive Response
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Volume 84
Issue 5
Pages 1027–1040
DOI 10.1037/0022-3514.84.5.1027
ISSN 1939-1315
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