What impact does nonverbal behaviour have on male perceptions of sexual consent?

Whaley, Lucy Hannah (2023). What impact does nonverbal behaviour have on male perceptions of sexual consent? University of Birmingham. Foren.Psy.D.

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Abstract

Nonconsent is often a definitive feature of sexual assault within law and society. Studies have found that men and women commonly share an understanding of how to define explicit (verbal) consent and nonconsent (Beres et al., 2006; Beres et al., 2008; Humphreys, 2004). However, sexual communication research has highlighted differences in how men and women conceptualise, interpret, and communicate nonverbal behaviours as consensual. This topic remains largely under-researched (Jozkowski et al., 2014) and therefore, better understanding is required to support psychoeducational programmes teaching individuals about consent communication, with a particular emphasis on the complexities of nonverbal behaviour during sexual interactions. This thesis explores how nonverbal behaviours are interpreted by heterosexual partners during sexual encounters.

Chapter one introduces the wider literature around sexual communication, specifically focusing on Tannen’s (1992) miscommunication theory, which states that men and women communicate differently, stemming from developmental experiences. Consequently, their differences can impact understanding of communicative behaviour during sexual interactions.

Chapter two presents a systematic literature review of current research that has measured how participants interpret specific nonverbal behaviours during sexual interactions. Nine quantitative studies were included within the review. The review found gender differences in how men and women communicate and perceive nonverbal behaviour, with men commonly over-predicting that nonverbal behaviour was indicative of sexual interest and consent from a partner.

Chapter three presents an empirical study that examined how American men (N=888) interpreted Kowalski’s (1992) low and medium levels of nonverbal behaviours during a heterosexual interaction. Perceptions of consent were examined in relation to hypermasculinity to test whether higher levels of conformity to masculine norms were related with consent perceptions. The study found that men with higher levels of conformity to masculine norms were more likely to perceive that the couple would engage in sexual intercourse in both the low and medium conditions of nonverbal behaviour.

Chapter four examines the psychometric properties of Parent and Modari’s (2009) Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory– 46 (CMNI-46), which was developed based on Mahalik et al. (2003) Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI). The CMNI-46 is the shorter, revised version, of Mahalik et al.’s (2003) CMNI, and measures men’s propensity to conform to masculine norms derived in American society. The CMNI-46 relies heavily upon the original data collected during Mahalik et al.’s (2003) conceptualisation of the CMNI tool and would benefit from more research specifically on the recent version.

Chapter five draws together the main findings of the thesis and reflects on the contribution to our understanding of how nonverbal behaviours are at risk of being misperceived by hypermasculine men. Recommendations are made regarding further research that would benefit the growing literature base on understanding how decisions about sexual consent are signified, interpreted, and acted upon.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):