Psychological correlates of male child and adolescent sexual experiences with adults: A review of the nonclinical literature
Bauserman, R.; Rind, B.
Archives of Sexual Behavior 26(2): 105-141
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-0002 PMID: 9101030 DOI: 10.1023/a:1024581610658Document Number: 532976
Researchers have generally neglected sexual experiences of boys with adults, assumed them to be the same as those of girls, or vied to understand them by referring to clinical research while ignoring nonclinical research. A review of nonclinical research allows a more complete understanding of boys' sexual experiences with adults and the outcomes and correlates of those experiences. Research with nonclinical samples reveals a broad range of reactions, with most reactions being either neutral or positive. Clinical samples reveal a narrower, primarily negative, set of reactions. Comparison of the reactions of boys and girls shows that reactions and outcomes for boys are more likely to be neutral or positive. Moderator variables, including presence of force, perceptions of consent, and relationship to the adult, also relate to outcomes. Incestuous contacts and those involving force or threats are most likely to be negative. Problems in this field of research include broad and vague definitions of "abuse " and conflation of value judgments with harm. Effects of boys' early sexual experiences with older persons in general cannot be accurately inferred from clinical research alone or from girls' experiences.