Patterns of sexual coercion in adult heterosexual relationships: An exploration of male victimization

The sexual coercion. of adult males by females in heterosexual relationships has received little empirical attention. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe such relationships-in comparison. with relationships involving the sexual coercion of females, of both males and females, and of neither-through analysis of data for 3,032 couples that completed the Preparation for Marriage instrument (Holman, Busby, & Larson, 1989). Current individual and couple characteristics were investigated for male subjects and their partners. The results revealed greater deficiencies in relational resources and commitment in coercive versus noncoercive couples. In addition, gender differences were noted among results for different victim/offender configurations.