Initiation and response: The dynamics of sexual interaction

This study examines the extent to which men and women feel comfortable exercising two traditional forms of sexual power, proactive and reactive power. “Proactive power” is defined here as the ability to initiate sexual intercourse and maintain sexual autonomy and has traditionally been possessed and exercised by men. “Reactive power,” or the ability to resist or refuse sexual advances, has traditionally been possessed and exercised by women. Several studies suggest that as men and women's sexual behavior and attitudes become more permissive, a single sexual standard is more likely to exist. This study finds that men feel more comfortable than women initiating sexual intercourse and remaining sexually autonomous, while women feel more comfortable than men refusing such sexual advances. Apparently, a single sexual standard does not yet exist. This study also considers factors that affect men and women's comfortableness in using either reactive or proactive power. The implications of these findings for understanding aspects of men and women's psychological well-being and intimate relationships are discussed.