Investigating the Relationship Between Demographic Factors and Perceptions of Unwanted Sexual Attention in Nightlife Settings

Few studies have examined individuals’ perceptions of nightlife-related unwanted sexual attention (UWSA; i.e. interpretations of what behaviors constitute non-consensual sexual advances). This study investigates whether sociodemographic factors influence perceptions of UWSA in nightlife settings. In total, 652 Australian participants were recruited via social media advertisements and a panel provider (64.1% women), aged 18 to 63 (Mdn = 26; IQR = 23, 30). Participants reported age, gender, frequency of nightlife attendance, nightlife alcohol use, experiences of UWSA, and perceptions of UWSA. Multiple linear regression assessed whether sociodemographic characteristics predicted scores on the UWSA perceptions scale. Gender (β = 0.32) and nightlife attendance (β = -0.36) were significant predictors of UWSA perceptions. Women perceived more behaviors as UWSA compared to men, and frequent nightlife attendees perceived fewer behaviors as UWSA compared to infrequent attendees. Targeted educational campaigns could increase individuals’ perceptions of what constitutes UWSA, which could subsequently reduce UWSA in nightlife settings.