Capturing Complexity: An Empirical Typology of Nonagentic Sexual Interactions 

Using cluster analysis and a data set of 227 sexual incidents experienced by college women as unwilled, we articulate and assess the validity of an empirically derived, multivariate typology of “nonagentic sexual interactions.” Five homogeneous clusters, or types, are identified based on four characteristics of the events (physical intrusiveness, force, relationship closeness, and women's alcohol use): (1) Sober Intimate Intrusion; (2) Sober Acquaintance Intrusion; (3) Forced Intrusion; (4) Touch; and (5) Alcohol Impaired Intrusion. Analyses demonstrate the clusters to be significantly associated with contextual and psychological consequence variables, providing validation for the derived typology. Findings indicate that a multidimensional typology of nonagentic sexual interactions shows promise for investigating the implications of these events for women's well-being and sexuality development.