Date Approved
12-8-2025
Embargo Period
12-8-2027
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. Clinical Psychology
Department
Psychology
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Advisor
D.J. Angelone, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
Meredith Jones, Ph.D.
Committee Member 3
Steven Brunwasser, Ph.D.
Committee Member 4
Patrick Jern, Ph.D.
Keywords
Sexual dysfunction;Sexual violence perpetration;Trait anger
Disciplines
Clinical Psychology | Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is common globally, affecting an individual’s sexual pleasure, self-esteem, and a couple’s sexual and relationship satisfaction (O’Sullivan et al., 2016; Van Lankveld, 2009). Some research suggests a link between male sexual dysfunction and sexual violence perpetration, where threatened masculinity and anger may contribute to sexually aggressive behaviors (Hill et al., 2024; Jones et al., 2010). As sexual violence victimization has profound influences on individuals, the current study aims to investigate whether sexual dysfunction predicts both male and female sexual violence perpetration, and whether trait anger moderates the relationship between them. A total of 9,108 Finnish twins and their siblings self-reported their sexual dysfunction, trait anger, and incidents of sexual violence perpetration, including perpetration tactics. Better female sexual function was associated with lower odds of female sexual violence perpetration after controlling for covariates, and the subscale of arousal and orgasm interacted with trait anger in predicting female perpetration. On the other hand, male sexual function, including the interaction with trait anger, was not associated with sexual violence perpetration. Future studies may explore the potential of treating sexual dysfunction in sexual violence prevention, particularly for women.
Recommended Citation
Huang, Sijia, "Sexual dysfunction as a predictor of sexual violence perpetration among Finnish men and women" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 3467.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3467
