Abstracts Category : Other

Faculty perceptions of consensual sexual relationships between university faculty and students

by April Bennett

This study examined faculty responses concerning consensual sexual relationships between faculty members and students. Using self-report data collected from 166 university faculty members, this analysis sought to determine what variables predicted whether faculty respondents believed that a difference existed in defining consensual sexual relationships and sexual harassment. Results indicated that belief in power differentials between faculty and students as well as whether the faculty member held either a full-time or part-time position on campus influenced respondents distinction between consensual sexual relationships and sexual harassment. These results further support the issues addressed in the literature review indicating that there is a great deal of ambiguity and subjectivity when defining consensual sexual relationships within universities.Advisors/Committee Members: Garland, Tammy S., Crittenden, Courtney, Policastro, Christina, College of Arts and Sciences.