Identifying mediators in the relationship between family of origin hostility and experiences of sexual coercion

Abstract

This study uses ordinary least squares regression (OLS) with a sample of 1136 (673 females and 463 males) college students to examine research questions regarding possible mediators in the association between family of origin hostility and sexual coercion victimization and perpetration. Results indicated that none of the hypothesized mediators- attitudes about hooking up, substance use, and risky sexual behavior- mediated the association between family of origin hostility and both sexual coercion victimization and perpetration for males. For females, attitudes about hooking up and participation in risky sexual behavior mediated the association between family of origin hostility and sexual coercion victimization and perpetration. However, the mediators were directly related to sexual coercion for both males and females. These results are discussed in relation to antisocial orientation perspective and the culture of casual sex for college students. In addition, implications for education and prevention programs are discussed.