This study aimed to examine the multidimensional structure of sexual consent judgment among adolescents and young adults and to develop an interview-based assessment tool capable of evaluating situational judgment in sexual contexts. Although previous...
This study aimed to examine the multidimensional structure of sexual consent judgment among adolescents and young adults and to develop an interview-based assessment tool capable of evaluating situational judgment in sexual contexts. Although previous research on sexual consent has primarily relied on self-report questionnaires, such approaches often fail to capture the complex, context-dependent processes involved in recognizing nonverbal cues, interpreting situational factors, and applying risk-management strategies during actual sexual interactions.
Exploratory factor analysis was conducted using items adapted from the Sexual Consent Scale–Revised (SCS-R) and the Verbal and Implied Sexual Consent Assessment Tool (VISCAT), resulting in four factors representing key domains of sexual consent judgment: (1) understanding of sexual consent, (2) coping skills in sexual situations, (3) conventional beliefs about sexual norms, and (4) exposure to sexual risk situations. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s α. Factor scores were compared by gender, age, sexual experience, current partner status, psychiatric diagnosis history, sex education experience, and unwanted sexual experience using independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Significant group differences emerged across several demographic and experiential variables, suggesting that sexual consent judgment is a complex ability shaped by individual experience, developmental factors, and relational context.
Based on these quantitative findings, a four-factor interview tool was developed to systematically evaluate sexual consent judgment in real-life interview settings. Interview questions were constructed to reflect the core conceptual elements of each factor, with redundant or ambiguous items removed, and were refined to elicit clear evidence of judgment criteria, risk perception, and coping strategies. The interview employs a funnel-shaped structure that begins with broad open-ended questions and gradually narrows to more specific evaluative elements. Responses are rated on a three-point scale (0–2) based on clarity and consistency of judgment. This structure enables direct assessment of practical and contextual judgment processes that are difficult to capture through self-report measures, enhancing applicability in education, counseling, and case assessment.
Overall, this study demonstrates that sexual consent judgment is not a unidimensional construct but rather an integrated ability shaped by cognitive understanding, risk perception, coping strategies, and normative beliefs. By presenting a structured interview-based assessment tool, the study offers a practical foundation for evaluating sexual consent judgment in adolescents and emerging adults. Future research should further examine the tool’s reliability and validity, explore scenario-based applications, and compare performance across diverse age groups to enhance its utility in preventive education and risk assessment.