AN EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MORAL DISENGAGEMENT, ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES, AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT VICTIMIZATION AND PERPETRATION AMONG MEN AND WOMEN ON THE COLLEGE CAMPUS IN THE UNITED STATES

Abstract

Sexual misconduct has been related individually to both ACEs and Moral Disengagement. Though existing studies examined the relationship between ACEs and sexual misconduct, there is a paucity of research exploring the relationship between ACEs and Moral Disengagement while considering sexual misconduct (perpetrator or victim). This study aimed to examine the relationship between Moral Disengagement, ACEs and sexual misconduct. This study found that participants (N=109) ACE score was positively related to sexual misconduct as a perpetrator and a victim among college participants. Future research should further examine the relationship between these variables.