Construction of Sexual Self-Image and Acquiescing to Sexual Pressure in a Sample of College Women: A Prospective Study

Abstract

This study investigates the connections between giving in to unwanted sexual activity (USA) and self-esteem. There is evidence that USA relates to low self-esteem. Critiques of the concept of self-esteem have distinguished between global self-esteem and self-esteem in specific domains. According to research, global self-esteem is associated with general psychological well-being, whereas specific self-esteem is associated with actual behavior. In a sample of 141 college women, who completed a questionnaire three months apart, a measure of traumatic sexuality (often a consequence of childhood sexual abuse) at Time 1 related positively to risk of giving in to unwanted sexual activity at Time 2. General self-esteem at Time 1 did not relate to giving in to unwanted sexual activity at Time 2. Of women who experienced pressured sexual activity, lower general and sexual self-esteem scores correlated with reasons for giving in to the sexual activity related to avoiding relationship tension.