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Interpersonal Aggression Victimization Within Casual Sexual Relationships and Experiences

NCJ Number
247560
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 29 Issue: 3 Dated: February 2014 Pages: 557-569
Author(s)
Katherine M. Klipfel; Shannon E. Claxton; Manfred H. M. van Dulmen
Date Published
February 2014
Length
13 pages
Annotation

This study aimed to describe the occurrence of emotional, physical, and sexual aggression victimization within committed romantic relationships, casual dating relationships, friends-with-benefit relationships, booty-calls, and one-night stands.

Abstract

The frequent occurrence of aggression within committed romantic relationships is well documented. However, little is known about experiences of interpersonal aggression within casual sexual relationships and experiences. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of emotional, physical, and sexual aggression victimization within committed romantic relationships, casual dating relationships, friends-with-benefit relationships, booty-calls, and one-night stands. College students (N = 172) provided data regarding the lifetime occurrence of emotional, physical, and sexual aggression across different forms of casual sexual relationships and experiences (friends-with-benefits, booty-call, casual dating, one-night stands, committed relationships). Emotional, physical, and sexual subtypes of aggression were reported across all casual sexual relationships and experiences. While a higher percentage of individuals who had been involved in committed relationships reported experiencing at least one form of aggression (approximately 69 percent), and prevalence of at least one form of aggression ranged from approximately 31 percent to 36 percent for the various casual sexual relationships/experiences. Across relationships/experiences, emotional and sexual aggression was more common than physical aggression. The findings from this study indicate that emotional, physical, and sexual aggression occurred across types of relationships and experiences. Thus, the current study underscores the importance of considering casual dating, friends-with-benefits, booty-calls, and one-night stands when assessing interpersonal aggression. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.