Unwanted Sex among Young Adults in the United States: The Role of Physical Disability and Cognitive Performance
Journal Article
Haydon, Abigail A.
McRee, Annie-Laurie
Halpern, Carolyn Tucker
2011
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
26
17
3476-93
10.1177/0886260511403756
PMC3195879
4930
This study examined associations between unwanted sexual experiences and both physical disability and cognitive performance in a nationally representative sample of young adults. We used data from 11,878 participants (ages 26-32) in Waves I, III, and IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Logistic regressions determined associations between physical disability and level of cognitive performance (using a modified Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test) and the odds of experiencing physically forced and nonphysically coerced sex. Approximately 24% of females and 4% of males reported unwanted sexual experiences. Compared to respondents without disabilities, females with a physical disability had greater odds of experiencing forced sex (OR = 1.49; 95% CI [1.06, 2.08]), whereas males with a physical disability had greater odds of coerced sex (OR = 1.90; 95% CI [1.02, 3.52]). Compared to those with average cognitive performance scores, females with scores above 110 had slightly higher odds of coerced sex (OR = 1.20; 95% CI [1.03-1.41]). Further research on pathways underlying these associations is needed to inform prevention efforts.
Sexual Behavior, Contraceptive Use, and Reproductive Health
4930.ris
—
Octet Stream,
1 kB (1,660 bytes)
