Description

The Sexual Coercion in Intimate Relationships Scale (SCIIRS) is a psychometric instrument designed to assess experiences and patterns of sexual coercion within intimate relationships. The scale focuses on behaviours and interpersonal dynamics through which sexual activity may be influenced by pressure, manipulation, threats, or other forms of coercive interaction.

Sexual coercion represents a complex phenomenon involving psychological, emotional, interpersonal, and behavioural factors. The SCIIRS aims to capture the extent to which individuals experience coercive sexual behaviours within close relationships and to examine the impact of these experiences on relationship functioning and psychological well-being.

Objective

The primary objective of the SCIIRS is to identify and evaluate the occurrence, characteristics, and consequences of sexual coercion in intimate relationships.

The scale aims to:

Assess the frequency and severity of coercive sexual experiences.

Identify different forms of sexual coercion, including psychological pressure, emotional manipulation, threats, and physical coercion.

Examine the relationship between sexual coercion and psychological or interpersonal outcomes.

Support research, prevention strategies, and intervention programs aimed at protecting individuals and promoting healthy intimate relationships.

Structure and Content

The SCIIRS evaluates different dimensions associated with sexual coercion in intimate relationships, including:

Psychological and Emotional Pressure, referring to behaviours involving guilt, manipulation, persistent pressure, or emotional influence to obtain sexual compliance.

Threats and Intimidation, referring to situations where fear, punishment, or perceived consequences influence sexual decisions.

Physical Coercion, referring to the use of physical force or unwanted physical actions related to sexual activity.

Relationship Dynamics, examining how communication, power imbalance, trust, and interpersonal characteristics influence coercive experiences.

Data Analysis and Use

Data obtained through the SCIIRS can be used to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of sexual coercion in intimate relationships.

Analysis may include:

Assessment of Frequency and Severity:
Measurement of how often and to what extent participants experience sexual coercive behaviours.

Classification of Coercive Behaviours:
Identification of different forms of coercion, such as psychological pressure, threats, manipulation, and physical force.

Relationship with Other Variables:
Investigation of associations between sexual coercion and variables such as:

Relationship satisfaction.

Emotional well-being.

Psychological distress.

Social support.

Interpersonal functioning.

Statistical analyses may include descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, factor analysis, correlation analysis, and regression models to identify predictors and consequences of sexual coercion.

Scoring Method

The SCIIRS is typically evaluated using a Likert-type response format, where participants indicate their level of agreement or frequency of experiences.

A common scoring approach includes responses ranging from:

1 = Completely Disagree

to

5 = Completely Agree

Total scores are calculated by summing or averaging item responses.

Higher scores indicate higher levels of reported sexual coercion experiences, whereas lower scores indicate fewer reported experiences of coercive behaviours.

Validity

The validity of sexual coercion assessment instruments is supported by research examining the relationship between coercive behaviours, intimate partner dynamics, psychological outcomes, and interpersonal factors.

Construct validity may be evaluated through:

Factor analysis examining the underlying dimensions of coercive experiences.

Convergent validity through associations with related measures of relationship violence, psychological distress, and interpersonal functioning.

Reliability

Reliability evaluation of the SCIIRS focuses on determining the consistency with which the items measure sexual coercion experiences.

Psychometric assessment may include:

Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency.

Test–retest reliability for temporal stability.

Factor analysis for structural validation.

Applications

The SCIIRS can be applied in:

Research on intimate partner relationships.

Studies of sexual violence and coercion.

Clinical psychology and counselling settings.

Public health and prevention programs.

Research examining gender, power dynamics, and relationship functioning.

Evaluation of interventions promoting healthy and respectful relationships.

References

Bancroft, J. (2003). Sexual Behavior and Sexual Coercion: Theoretical Perspectives and Empirical Evidence. Cambridge University Press.

Kimmel, M. S. (2008). The Gendered Society. Oxford University Press.

Testa, M., & Livingston, J. A. (2011). The Role of Alcohol in Sexual Coercion: Theoretical Perspectives and Empirical Findings. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 26(1), 101–121.

Finkelhor, D., & Yllö, K. (1985). License to Rape: Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Women. Cambridge University Press.