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Tolerance of Sexual Harassment: A Laboratory Paradigm

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Abstract

The present study attempted to develop a laboratory analogue for the study of tolerance for sexual harassment by using an online speed-dating paradigm. In that context, the relation between participants’ sexual harassment attitudes, perpetrator attractiveness, perpetrator status, and perceived dating potential of the perpetrator were examined as factors influencing participants’ tolerance of sexually harassing behavior. Participants were 128 female college students from a small northeastern public university. Results indicated that attractiveness, high social status, and attitudinal beliefs about sexual harassment were all predictive of tolerance for sexual harassment, providing preliminary support for the validity of this paradigm. In addition, participants’ self reported likelihood to date a bogus male dating candidate was also predictive of tolerance for sexual harassment, over and above the aforementioned variables, suggesting that dating potential can play a role in perceptions of sexual harassment. Further, this experiment demonstrated that perceptions of sexual harassment can be assessed using the in vivo measurement of behavior. In addition, using an online environment not only provides a contemporary spin and adds a greater degree of external validity compared to other sexual harassment analogues, it also reduces any risk of potential physical sexual contact for participants.

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Notes

  1. This analysis represents a comparison of the means for the attractive and unattractive profiles averaged across the pre- and post-interaction ratings (M = 4.5 and M = 2.7, respectively).

  2. This analysis represents a comparison of the means for the high status and low status profiles averaged across the pre- and post-interaction ratings (M = 4.6 and M = 3.6, respectively).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA

    David J. Angelone & Kara Carola

  2. Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, USA

    Damon Mitchell

Authors
  1. David J. Angelone
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  2. Damon Mitchell
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  3. Kara Carola
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to David J. Angelone.

Appendix

Appendix

Speed dating script with bogus dating partner’s response (in I.M. language)

  • Query #1 ~What is your favorite type of movie?

  • “Anything that can make me laugh!”

  • Query #2 ~What is your favorite type of food?

  • “Im a college kid…so I live off pizza and fast food.”

  • Query #3 ~What would your past girlfriend/boyfriend say is your best quality?

  • “I think they would say that Im a loyal friend…there 24/7…and willing to please and attend to ALL of their needs…”

  • Query #4 ~Tell me about the book you are reading now, or the one you have just finished.

  • “Right now Im reading the DaVinci Code. If you read it already…don’t tell me how it ends. Im locked in and can’t put it down. I wish I read books more often. I do have various subscriptions to magazines, I get FHM…maxim…and hustler so I can get tips on how to please my women…”

  • Query #5 ~What’s your idea of a night out with friends?

  • “We don’t get together often but when we do we go all out…We usually drive to the city…grab some cheese steaks…catch a game…then hit some clubs. By the end of the night we have pooled our money and stopped by the strip club for lap dances and shots of tequila. You’d be surprised what u can get for $100.”

  • Query #6 ~What are you looking for in a partner?

  • “Compatibility. Someone who can laugh…who is not uptight…and will go wherever their feelings may lead. Someone who is sexually adventurous and open to try ANYTHING…”

  • Query #7 ~What’s your idea of a good first date?

  • “Depends on the time of day…Afternoon—Im ok w/something outdoors like a hike, roller-blading, or hangin on the beach. Evening—I like to start w/dinner…I like good food…good conversation…and think that eating is very sensual. After, there will be dancing…drinks…and hopefully whipped cream and strawberries back at my place.”

  • Query #8 ~What’s your dream job?

  • “If I didn’t have to think about money…it would be to be a personal trainer…U get paid to stay in shape…hang out in the gym…watch women who are in peak physical condition and help them out when needed…;)”

  • Query #9 ~What would your past girlfriend/boyfriend say is your worst quality?

  • “I have been told that I can come on pretty strong…That’s me! I have a big personality…big heart…and a big…”

  • Query #10~ What’s the most interesting vacation you’ve taken?

  • “2 years ago I went to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. That was def interestin…Women pulling up their shirts in exchange for beads…Now that is my idea of how free trade should work…”

  • Query #11 ~What accomplishment are you most proud of?

  • “Goin to college. I m the first in my fam to do so. I am also very “accomplished” in the bedroom…I’ll save those stories for when me and u meet…”

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Angelone, D.J., Mitchell, D. & Carola, K. Tolerance of Sexual Harassment: A Laboratory Paradigm. Arch Sex Behav 38, 949–958 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-008-9421-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-008-9421-2

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