Exploratory Study of the Effects of Teacher Attractiveness on Undergraduates' Perceptions of Teacher-Student Sexual Involvement

• NCJ Number: 245130
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 22 Issue: 3 Dated: 2013 Pages: 341-357
• Author(s): Mary Ellen Fromuth; David B. Kelly; Amy K. Wilson; Lanjericha V. Finch; Lindsey Scruggs
• Date Published: 2013
• Length: 17 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored whether the attractiveness of a teacher affected perceptions of teacher sexual misconduct.

Abstract

Respondents (120 female and 108 male undergraduates) read scenarios depicting teacher sexual misconduct varied by gender dyad (male teacher-female student and female teacher-male student) and two levels of attractiveness (very attractive or ordinary looking). The attractiveness of the teacher had little impact on respondents' perceptions. Significant interactions emerged on most variables between respondent gender and gender dyad. Specifically, male respondents tended to view the female teacher-male student dyad as less negative than the male teacher-female student dyad. Female respondents generally did not make a distinction based on the gender dyad. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.