Excerpts:
Generally, strong emotions can compromise executive functions, including control of attention, and can increase impulsivity…. In effect, sexual arousal can exert a strong attentional and motivational pull such that sexual cues draw increased attention at the expense of others, and interpretation of situational cues (including a potential sexual partner’s behaviors) is shifted toward consistency with one’s sexual desires. …
Arguably, the issue of misperception of sexual intent is most important for the single population.
The Journal of Social Psychology
(2019), DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2019.1692330
Peter O. Rerick, Tyler N. Livingston & Deborah Davis
ABSTRACT
Disputes over acquaintance rape typically center on the issue of whether the alleged victim consented to sex. Disputed sexual encounters often take place when one or both involved parties is sexually aroused, and this arousal might influence the extent to which the parties perceive sexual consent. Two studies tested the effects of men’s sexual arousal on their interpretations of the extent to which 25 hypothetical female behaviors reflected sexual willingness. Arousal was manipulated via written fantasies (Study 1) or exposure to erotic material (Study 2). Manipulated arousal and individual differences in rated arousal were each associated with greater perceptions of female sexual willingness. Manipulated arousal was significant only for single men in Study 2. Findings suggested present-state sexual arousal affects single men’s interpretations of women’s sexual willingness. Men’s sexual arousal might prominently contribute to misunderstandings in sexual communication.