The Frequency of Sexual Perpetration in College Men: A Systematic Review of Reported Prevalence Rates From 2000 to 2017

Background: The prevalence of sexual perpetration in college men is unknown. Prior reviews of sexual violence prevalence rates have produced wide-ranging estimates, likely due to wide variation in measurement strategies. Objectives: This article systematically reviewed research findings (from 2000 t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trauma, Violence, & Abuse Violence, & Abuse, 2021-07, Vol.22 (3), p.481-495
Main Authors: Anderson, RaeAnn E., Silver, Kristin E., Ciampaglia, Alyssa M., Vitale, Amanda M., Delahanty, Douglas L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aggression
Canada - epidemiology
College students
Humans
Male
Men
Prevalence
Questionnaires
Rape
Sex crimes
Sex Offenses - statistics & numerical data
Sexual assault
Sexual behavior
Socioeconomic status
Systematic review
United States - epidemiology
Universities
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Summary:Background: The prevalence of sexual perpetration in college men is unknown. Prior reviews of sexual violence prevalence rates have produced wide-ranging estimates, likely due to wide variation in measurement strategies. Objectives: This article systematically reviewed research findings (from 2000 to 2017) regarding prevalence rates of sexual perpetration in college men and measurement strategies. Data Sources: PsycINFO and Web of Science databases. Eligibility Criteria: Empirical reports published between 2000 and 2017 that included male participants, available in English, and reported lifetime prevalence findings in Canadian or American college students. Participants: Data from 78 independent samples including 25,524 college men. Results: The average prevalence rate of any sexual perpetration was 29.3% (SD = 16.8), and the average rate of rape was 6.5% (SD = 6.3). Studies that used non-Sexual Experiences Survey (SES)–based questionnaires recorded higher prevalence rates (41.5%) than SES-using studies (26.2%). At least 16 different sexual perpetration questionnaires were identified. Modifying standardized questionnaires was extremely common; this was reported in over half of the studies. Studies using modified standardized questionnaires found higher prevalence rates of sexual perpetration than studies using nonmodified standardized questionnaires. Limitations: This report focused exclusively on college men in the United States and Canada. Conclusions and Implications: On average, 29% of college males report engaging in behaviors defined as sexual perpetration; however, there was a strong influence of measurement strategy on reported rates.
ISSN:1524-8380
1552-8324
1552-8324
DOI:10.1177/1524838019860619