Self-perceived attractiveness and the effects on the ability to recognize consent for sexual activity

In the realm of sexual consent research, studies have focused on certain characteristics of the victim that could potentially make them a target for sexual assault; however, current sexual assault research has begun to shift its focus from the victim to the offender. This shift is pivotal to paving the way to potentially identifying and preventing sexual assault. Several studies have found a correlation between social perceptions, self-esteem, and confidence. This study aims to investigate how one’s own self-perception of attractiveness is related to one’s sexual desirability and its effects on the individual’s ability to recognize consent for sexual activity from a partner. It was hypothesized that the more attractive an individual viewed them self, the more sexually desirable they would feel. These self-perceptions increase the individual’s confidence and hinder their ability to correctly recognize consent from a partner. No gender differences were expected for this study. Self - perceived attractiveness was measured using the Body Esteem Scale (BES). To assess sexual desirability, the Sexual Awareness Scale (SAS) was utilized. To measure sexual consent recognition, the Revised Sexual Consent Scale (SCS-R) was used. The hope of this research is to increase awareness of potential offenders’ self-perceptions and help to clarify what constitutes as consent in hopes of preventing sexual assault in the future. Keywords: self-perception, consent, attractiveness, self-esteem, sexual assault preventio