Interactive Effects of Anger and Alcohol Intoxication on Men's Laboratory-Based Sexual Aggression Propensity Following a Masculinity Threat.

Abstract

Background: The I³ Model posits that men are more likely to engage in sexual aggression (SA) when instigation (e.g., their masculinity is threatened) and impellance are high (e.g., high trait anger), and inhibition is low (e.g., alcohol intoxication). This study investigates the independent and interactive effects of trait anger and acute intoxication on men's SA propensity after exposure to a masculinity threat.

Methods: Cisgender heterosexual men (n = 120, aged 21-30) completed a self-report measure of trait anger, were randomly assigned to consume an alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage and engaged in the Sexual Imposition Paradigm (SIP) which assessed laboratory-based SA propensity toward a female confederate. Prior to the SIP, all men's masculinity were threatened via feedback from a personality test which indicated that they were less masculine than other men.

Results: The interaction between trait anger and beverage condition was significant. When intoxicated SA propensity increased among men with higher trait anger, whereas for sober men, their SA propensity decreased with higher trait anger.

Discussion: Consistent with the I³ Model, individual differences in trait anger may be a critical risk factor for men's SA under the influence of alcohol. These findings have implications for intervention programming. Anger often arises as a response to feeling vulnerable, such as when men's masculinity is threatened. Thus, the integration of established, evidenced-based approaches to regulate anger into SA interventions may be a promising approach to reduce SA, particularly among men who have consumed alcohol.