The effects of male childhood sexual experiences on initiation of unwanted sex acts and belief in rape myths

Cyclical violence arguments in past research support deviant behavioral reactions to childhood sexual experiences. This research examines male childhood sexual experiences and later sexual deviance using data from a sample of college males. The types of childhood sexual experiences, including showing of sexual organs, fondling sexual organs, attempted sexual intercourse, and sexual intercourse, are investigated in relationship to initiation of unwanted sex acts and belief in rape myths. Deviant childhood sexual experiences are found to be related to future initiation of unwanted sexual behaviors and deviant sexual beliefs, supporting the idea of cyclical deviance. Further, this research identifies stereotypes concerning male victims of sexual abuse and provides a foundation for understanding male childhood sexual experiences.