Body language of women and judgments of vulnerability to sexual assault

Author(s): Degelman, D.

Journal/Book: J Appl Soc Psychol. 1996; 26: 360 South Ocean Blvd, pH-B, Palm Beach, FL 33480. V H Winston & Son Inc. 1617-1626.

Abstract: The present study experimentally examined the effects of body language on judgments of vulnerability to sexual assault by strangers. Four features of body language (stride length, weight shift, body-limb movement, and foot movement) were manipulated to create 2 typical victim profiles and 1 typical nonvictim profile. Short videotapes of 3 adult female models walking alone in each of the 3 body language profiles were filmed. Forty-one college students and 33 police officers individually viewed 3 videotapes (each showing a different model and a different body language profile) and made judgments for each about the woman's confidence level and vulnerability to sexual assault. As predicted, women in the 2 victim profiles were judged to be significantly more vulnerable to sexual assault and signifcantly less confident than women in the nonvictim profile. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Note: Article D Degelman, So Calif Coll, 55 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 USA

Keyword(s): VICTIMIZATION; RAPE; ATTRIBUTION; MOVEMENTS

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