Abstract
The current study explored gender differences in college students' definitions and enjoyment of playful force and aggression. Ninety-six female and 55 male college students who were predominantly White (96%) and heterosexual (97%) answered questions about playful force during sex and playful aggression at other times. A content analysis showed that the current definitions were very similar to those for children's rough-and-tumble play. However, a qualitative analysis found several potential gender differences. Physically aggressive men appeared to give aggressive definitions of playful force during sex. In addition, there was some disagreement among participants as to the acceptability of playful force during sex. Finally, there may be gender differences in the assumed agency of playful force and aggression.
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Ryan, K.M., Mohr, S. Gender Differences in Playful Aggression During Courtship in College Students. Sex Roles 53, 591–601 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-005-7144-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-005-7144-6