Neil Malamuth
Biography
I am an interdisciplinary social scientist who studies violence and conflict, including an emphasis on mass media effects. Most of our research has focused on identifying the characteristics of men who commit sexual aggression against women. As part of that research we have examined whether exposure to sexually explicit media and/or sexually violent pornography may be an added risk factor to the other risk factors we have identified as part of the Confluence Model we have developed. Thousands of men from Canada, United States, and Denmark have participated in our various studies. We have used a variety of research methods, including surveys, field studies, and controlled experiments. This research has received honors and distinctions and has been cited in the formation of public policy and law in several countries. For over twenty years, I chaired the Communication Studies Program, the Department of Speech, and I was the founding Chair of the Department of Communication Studies. I also was a faculty member at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada and the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor.
Education
Ph.D., Social Psychology & Personality, University of California, Los Angeles
M.A., Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
B.A., Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
Selected Publications
Huppin, M., & Malamuth, N. M. (2022). Priming self-affirmation reduces the negative impact of high rape myth acceptance: assessing women’s perceptions and judgments of sexual assault. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(7-8), NP3728-NP3749. PDF
Malamuth, N. M., Lamade, R. V., Koss, M. P., Lopez, E., Seaman, C., & Prentky, R. (2021). Factors predictive of sexual violence: Testing the four pillars of the Confluence Model in a large diverse sample of college men. Aggressive Behavior, 47(4), 405-420. PDF
Malamuth, N. M., Huppin, M., & Linz, D. (2018). Sexual assault interventions may be doing more harm than good with high-risk males. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 41, 20-24. PDF
Huppin, M., & Malamuth, N. (2016). Sexual coercion. In D. Buss (Ed.) Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology: Volume 1, Foundations (Second Edition) (pp. 462-481). New York: Wiley.
Hald, G. M., Malamuth, N., & Lange, T. (2013). Pornography and sexist attitudes among heterosexuals. Journal of Communication, 63(4), 638-660. PDF
Malamuth, N., Linz, D., & Weber, R. (2013). The Internet and aggression: Motivation, disinhibitory, and opportunity aspects. In Y. Amichai-Hamburger (Ed.). The Social Net: Understanding our online behavior. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Malamuth, N., Hald, G. M., & Koss, M. (2012). Pornography, individual differences in risk, and men’s acceptance of violence against women in a representative sample. Sex Roles, 66, 427-439. PDF
Malamuth, N. & Huppin, M. (2007). Drawing the line on virtual child pornography: Bringing the law in line with the research evidence. New York University Review of Law and Social Change, 31, 773-827. PDF
Malamuth, N., & Huppin, M. (2005). Pornography and teenagers: The importance of individual differences. Adolescent Medicine, 16, 315-326. PDF
Malamuth, N. (2003). Criminal and non-criminal sexual aggressors: Integrating psychopathy in a hierarchical-mediational confluence model. In R. A. Prentky, E. Janus, & M. Seto (Eds.), Understanding and managing sexually coercive behavior. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 989 (pp. 33-58). New York: New York Academy of Sciences. PDF
Hunter, J. A., Figueredo, A. J., Malamuth, N., & Becker, J. V. (2004). Developmental pathways in youth sexual aggression and delinquency: Risk factors and mediators. Journal of Family Violence, 19, 233-242. PDF
Haley, H., Sidanius, J., Lowery, B. & Malamuth, N. (2004). The interactive nature of sex and race discrimination: A social dominance perspective. In G. Philogene (Ed.), Racial identity in context: The Legacy of Kenneth B. Clark. Washington, D.C: American Psychological Association.
Anderson, C. A., Berkowitz, L., Donnerstein, E., Huesmann, L. R., Johnson, J. D., Linz, D., … & Wartella, E. (2003). The influence of media violence on youth. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 4(3), 81-110. PDF
Malamuth, N. (2003). Criminal and non-criminal sexual aggressors: Integrating psychopathy in a hierarchical-mediational confluence model. In R. A. Prentky, E. Janus, & M. Seto (Eds.), Understanding and managing sexually coercive behavior. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 989, 33-58. PDF
Malamuth, N. (2003). Risk assessment of sexual aggression: Commentary. In R.A. Prentky, E. Janus, & M. Seto (Eds.), Understanding and managing sexually coercive behavior. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 989, 236-238.
Hunter, J. A., Figueredo, A. J., Malamuth, N., & Becker, J. V. (2003). Juvenile sex offenders: Toward the development of a typology. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 15, 27-48. PDF
Malamuth, N., & Addison, T. (2001). Integrating social psychological research on aggression within an evolutionary-based framework. In G. J.O. Fletcher & M. S. Clark (Eds.). Blackwell handbook of social psychology: Interpersonal processes (pp. 129-161). Malden, MA: Blackwell. PDF
Malamuth, N., Addison, T., & Koss, M. (2000). Pornography and sexual aggression: Are there reliable effects and can we understand them? Annual Review of Sex Research, 11, 26-91. PDF
Malamuth, N., & Impett, E. A. (2001). Research on sex in the media: What do we know about effects on children and adolescents? In D. Singer & J. Singer (Eds.). Handbook of children and the media (pp. 269-287). Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications. PDF
1990 – 2000
Malamuth, N., Addison, T., & Koss, M. (2000). Pornography and sexual aggression: Are there reliable effects and can we understand them? Annual Review of Sex Research, 11, 26-91. PDF
Ellis, B. & Malamuth, N. (2000). Love and anger in romantic relationships: A discrete systems model. Journal of Personality, 68, 525-556. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1999). Pornography. In L. Kurtz (Ed.). Encyclopedia for Violence, Peace and Conflict (Volume 3). (pp. 77-89). New York: Academic Press. PDF
Malamuth, N., & Malamuth, E. (1999). Integrating multiple levels of scientific analysis and the confluence model of sexual coercers. Jurimetrics: Journal of Law and Science, 39, 157-179. PDF
Barnes, G. E., & Malamuth, N. M. (1998). Eysenck’s theory of personality and sexuality. Psihologija, 31(3), 239-248. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1998). An evolutionary-based model integrating research on the characteristics of sexually coercive men. In J. Adair, K. Dion, & D. Belanger, D. (Eds.). Advances in psychological science, vol. 1: Social, personal, and developmental aspects (pp. 151-184). Hove, England UK: Psychology Press/Erlbaum. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1998). The revised Attraction to Sexual Aggression scale. In C. M. Davis, W. H. Yarber, R. Bauserman, G. Schreer, & S. L. Davis (Eds.) Sexuality-related measures: A compendium (pp. 52-55). Beverly Hills: Sage. (see Malamuth, 1989 citation below). PDF
Malamuth, N. (1998). The confluence model as an organizing framework for research on sexually aggressive men: Risk moderators, imagined aggression and pornography consumption. In R. Geen and E. Donnerstein (Eds.) Aggression: Theoretical and empirical reviews (pp. 229- 245). New York: Academic Press. PDF
Malamuth, N., & Heilmann, M. (1998). Evolutionary psychology and sexual aggression. In C. B. Crawford, & D. Krebs (Eds.) Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology: Ideas, issues and applications (pp. 515-542). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
Malamuth, N. (1998). Commentary on pornography research and testimony before the Attorney General’s Commission on Pornography. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 13, 528-529 & 538-543.
Dean, K., & Malamuth, N. (1997). Characteristics of men who aggress sexually and of men who imagine aggressing: Risk and moderating variables. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 72, 449-455. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1996). Sexually explicit media, gender differences, and evolutionary theory. Journal of Communication, 46(3), 8-31. PDF
Malamuth, N., Heavey, C., & Linz, D. (1996). The confluence model of sexual aggression: Combining hostile masculinity and impersonal sex. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 23(3), 13-37. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1996). Research on the confluence model of sexual aggression based on feminist and evolutionary perspectives. In Buss, D., & Malamuth, N. (Eds.). Sex, power, conflict: Evolutionary and feminist perspectives (pp. 269-295). New York: Oxford University Press.
Buss, D., & Malamuth, N. (Eds.) (1996) Sex, power, conflict: Evolutionary and feminist perspectives. New York: Oxford University Press.
Malamuth, N., Linz, D., Heavey, C., Barnes, G., & Acker, M. (1995). Using the confluence model of sexual aggression to predict men’s conflict with women: A ten year follow-up study. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 69, 353-369. PDF
Heavey, L., Christensen, A., & Malamuth, N. (1995). The longitudinal impact of demand and withdrawal during marital conflict. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 63, 797- 801.
Malamuth, N., & Brown, L. (1994). Sexually aggressive men’s perceptions of women’s communications: Testing three explanations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67, 699-712. PDF
Malamuth, N., & Thornhill, N. (1994). Hostile masculinity, sexual aggression, and gender-biased domineeringness in conversations. Aggressive Behavior, 20, 185-193. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1993). Pornography’s impact on male adolescents. Adolescent Medicine: State of the Art Reviews, 4, 563-576. PDF
Linz, D., & Malamuth, N. (1993). Pornography. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
Malamuth, N., Heavey, C., & Linz, D. (1993). Predicting men’s antisocial behavior against women: The Interaction Model of sexual aggression. In G. Hall, R. Hirschman, J. Graham & M. Zaragoza, (Eds.) Sexual Aggression: Issues in etiology and assessment, treatment and policy (pp. 63-97). New York: Hemisphere.
Malamuth, N. (1992). Evolution and laboratory research on men’s sexual arousal: What do the data show and how can we explain them? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 15, 394-396. PDF
Linz, D., Malamuth, N. & Beckett, K. (1992) Civil liberties and research on the effects of pornography. In P. Tetlock & P. Suedfeld (Eds.) Psychology and Social Policy (pp. 149- 164). New York: Hemisphere. PDF
Malamuth, N., Sockloskie, R., Koss, M., & Tanaka, J. (1991). Characteristics of aggressors against women: Testing a model using a national sample of college students. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 59, 670-681. PDF
Malamuth, N. & Dean, K. (1991) Attraction to sexual aggression. In A. Parrot (Ed.). Acquaintance Rape: The Hidden Crime (pp. 229-247). New York: Wiley. PDF
Check, J., & Malamuth, N. (1990). Ethical considerations in sex and aggression research. In D. MacNiven (Ed.). Moral expertise: Studies in practical and professional ethics (pp. 26-35). London: Routledge PDF
1989 and earlier
Malamuth, N. (1989). Pornography and the Surgeon General. American Psychologist, 42, 580.
Malamuth, N. (1989). The attraction to sexual aggression scale: Part I. Journal of Sex Research, 26, 26-49. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1989) The attraction to sexual aggression scale: Part II. Journal of Sex Research, 26, 324-354.
Malamuth, N. (1989). Sexually violent media, thought patterns and antisocial behavior. In G. Comstock (Ed.), Public Communication and Behavior, Vol. 2 (pp. 159-204). New York: Academic Press. PDF
Malamuth, N., & McIlwraith, B. (1988). Fantasies and exposure to sexually explicit magazines. Communication Research, 15, 753-771. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1988). Predicting laboratory aggression against female vs. male targets: Implications for research on sexual aggression. Journal of Research in Personality, 22, 474-495. PDF
Malamuth, N., Feshbach, S., Fera, T., & Kunath, J. (1988). Aggressive cues and sexual arousal to erotica. In G. W. Russell (Ed.), Violence in intimate relationships (pp. 239-251). Great Neck, NY: PMA Publishers. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1988). A multidimensional approach to sexual aggression: Combining measures of past behavior and present likelihood. In R. A. Prentky & V. L. Quinsey (Eds.) Human sexual aggression: Current perspectives. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (Vol. 528, pp. 123-132). New York: The New York Academy of Sciences. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1988). Research on “violent erotica”: A reply. Journal of Sex Research, 24, 340-348. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1987). Do sexually violent media indirectly contribute to antisocial behavior? In M. R. Walsh (Ed.). The psychology of women: Ongoing debates (pp. 441-459). New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. PDF
Check, J., & Malamuth, N. (1986). Pornography and sexual aggression: A social learning theory analysis. In M. L. McLaughlin (Ed.). Communication Yearbook, Vol. 9 (pp. 181-213). Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.
Huesmann, L. R., & Malamuth, N. (1986). Media violence and antisocial behavior: An overview. Journal of Social Issues, 42, 1-6. PDF
Huesmann, L. R. & Malamuth, N. (Eds.). (1986). Media violence and antisocial behavior. Journal of Social Issues, 42(3).
Malamuth, N. (1986). Predictors of naturalistic sexual aggression. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 50, 953-962. PDF
Malamuth, N., & Billings, V. (1986). The functions and effects of pornography: Sexual communication vs. the feminist models in light of research findings. In J. Bryant & D. Zillmann (Eds.), Perspectives on media effects (pp. 83-108). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum. PDF
Malamuth, N., & Briere, J. (1986). Sexual violence in the media: Indirect effects on aggression against women. Journal of Social Issues, 42, 75-92. PDF
Malamuth, N., Check, J., & Briere, J. (1986). Sexual arousal in response to aggression: Ideological, aggressive and sexual correlates. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 50, 330-340.
Malamuth, N., & Ceniti, J. (1986). Repeated exposure to violent and nonviolent pornography: Likelihood of raping ratings and laboratory aggression against women. Aggressive Behavior, 12, 29-137. PDF
Briere, J., Malamuth, N., & Check, J. (1985). Sexuality and rape-supportive beliefs. International Journal of Women’s Studies, 8, 398-403. PDF
Check, J., Malamuth, N., Elias, B., & Barton, S. (1985). On hostile ground. Psychology Today, 19, 56-61. PDF
Check, J., Perlman, D., & Malamuth, N. (1985). Loneliness and aggressive behavior. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 2, 243-252. PDF
Check, J., & Malamuth, N. (1985). An empirical assessment of some feminist hypotheses about rape. International Journal of Women’s Studies, 8, 414-423. PDF
Malamuth, N., & Check, J. (1985). The effects of aggressive-pornography on beliefs in rape myths: Individual differences. Journal of Research in Personality, 19, 299-320. PDF
Barnes, G., Malamuth, N., & Check, J. (1984). Personality and sexuality. Personality and Individual Differences, 5, 159-172. PDF
Barnes, G., Malamuth, N., & Check, J. (1984). Psychoticism and sexual arousal to rape depictions. Personality and Individual Differences, 5, 273-279. PDF
Check, J., & Malamuth, N. (1984). Can there be positive effects of participation in pornography experiments? The Journal of Sex Research, 20, 14-31. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1984). Sexual violence in the mass media. In D. Scott (Ed.), Media violence and pornography: An international perspective. Toronto: Media Action Group.
Malamuth, N. (1984). The mass media and aggression against women: Research findings and prevention. In A. W. Burgess (Ed.), Handbook of research on rape and sexual assault. New York: Garland.
Malamuth, N. (1984). Social scientific research on pornography. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice: Effects of Pornography on Women and Children (Hearings, 98th Congress, August 8th, 1984). Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, #1267, Serial #J-98-133, pp. 92-117.
Malamuth, N. 1984). The mass media, individual characteristics and aggression against women. In R. M. Kaplan, V. J. Konecni, & R. W. Novaco (Eds.), Aggression in children and youth. The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff. (Sponsored by NATO–North Atlantic Treaty Organization.)
Malamuth, N., & Donnerstein, E. (Eds.) (1984). Pornography and sexual aggression. New York: Academic Press.
Malamuth, N., & Check, J. (1984). Debriefing effectiveness following exposure to rape depictions. Journal of Sex Research, 20, 1-13. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1984). Aggression against women: Cultural and individual causes. In N. Malamuth & E. Donnerstein (Eds.), Pornography and sexual aggression (pp. 19-52). New York: Academic Press. PDF
Malamuth, N., & Billings, V. (1984). Why pornography? Models of functions and effects. Journal of Communication, 34, 117-129. PDF
Ceniti, J., & Malamuth, N. (1984). Effects of repeated exposure to sexually violent or sexually nonviolent stimuli on sexual arousal to rape and nonrape depictions. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 22, 535-548. PDF
Briere, J., & Malamuth, N. (1983). Self-reported likelihood of sexually aggressive behavior: Attitudinal versus sexual explanations. Journal of Research in Personality, 17, 315-323. PDF
Check, J., & Malamuth, N. (1983). Sex role stereotyping and reactions to depictions of stranger versus acquaintance rape. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 45, 344-356. PDF
Donnerstein, E., & Malamuth, N. (1983). Pornography: Dynamics of the participants and observers. In L. Schlesinger (Ed.), Sexual dynamics of anti-social behavior. Springfield, IL: Thomas.
Malamuth, N. (1983). Factors associated with rape as predictors of laboratory aggression against females. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 45, 432-442.
Malamuth, N., & Check, J. (1983). Sexual arousal to rape depictions: Individual differences. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 92, 55-67. PDF
Malamuth, N., & Donnerstein, E. (1982). The effects of aggressive-pornographic mass media stimuli. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology, Vol. 15 (pp. 103-136). New York: Academic Press. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1981). Rape proclivity among males. Journal of Social Issues, 37, 138-157. PDF
Malamuth, N. (1981). Rape fantasies as a function of exposure to violent-sexual stimuli. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 10, 33-47. PDF
Malamuth, N., & Check, J. (1981). The effects of mass media exposure on acceptance of violence against women: A field experiment. Journal of Research in Personality, 15, 436-446. PDF
Malamuth, N., Turcotte, S., & Fitz-Gibbon, C. (1981). Tutoring and social psychology. Journal of Educational Thought, 15, 113-123. PDF
Malamuth, N., & Check, J. (1980). Sexual arousal to rape and consenting depictions: The importance of the woman’s arousal. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 89, 763-76 PDF
Malamuth, N., & Check, J. (1980). Penile tumescence and perceptual responses to rape as a function of victim’s perceived reactions. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 10, 528- 547. PDF
Malamuth, N., Feshbach, S., & Heim, M. (1980). Ethical issues and exposure to rape stimuli: A reply to Sherif. Journal of Personality And Social Psychology, 38, 413-415.
Malamuth, N., Haber, S., & Feshbach, S. (1980). Testing hypotheses regarding rape: Exposure to sexual violence, sex differences, and the “normality” of rapists. Journal of Research in Personality, 14, 121-137. PDF
Malamuth, N., Heim, M., & Feshbach, S. (1980). The sexual responsiveness of college students to rape depictions: Inhibitory and disinhibitory effects. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 38, 399-408. PDF
Malamuth, N., & Spinner, B. (1980). A longitudinal content analysis of sexual violence in the best-selling erotica magazines. The Journal of Sex Research, 16, 226-237. PDF
Feshbach, S., & Malamuth, N. (1978). Sex and aggression. Psychology Today, 12, 110-117.
Malamuth, N., Shayne, L., & Poque, B. (1978). Infant cues and stopping at the crosswalk. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 4, 334-336.
Malamuth, M., & Fitz-Gibbon, C. (1978). Tutoring and Social Psychology: A Theoretical Analysis. Los Angeles: Center For the Study of Evaluation, CSE Report No. 116. UCLA. PDF
Malamuth, N., Feshbach, S., & Jaffe, Y. (1977). Sexual arousal and aggression: Recent experiments and theoretical issues. Journal of Social Issues, 33, 110-133. PDF
Malamuth, N., Wanderer, Z., Sayner, R., & Durrell, D. (1976). Utilization of surrogate partners: A survey of health professionals. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 7, 149-150.
Malamuth, N., & Pfeiffer, K. (Eds.). (1976). Sites and insights in psychology. Los Alamitos: Hwong Press.
Raven, B., Rubin, J., Malamuth, Z., & Malamuth, N. (1976). An instructor’s manual and guide for teaching a course in social psychology. New York: Wiley.
Malamuth, N. (1975). A systematic analysis of the relationship between group shifts and the Choice Dilemmas Questionnaire. (Doctoral Dissertation, University of California, Los Angeles). Dissertation Abstracts International, 1976, 36, 4230-4231B.
Malamuth, N., Shure, G., Johnston, S. (1975). Teaching research methods with a computer-based model of choice shifts. Journal of Computer-Based Instruction, 2, 1-10. PDF
Shure, G., Malamuth, N., Johnston, S. (1975). A computer simulation of group risky shift for teaching undergraduate research methods. Simulation and Games, 6, 202-210. PDF
Jaffe, Y., Malamuth, N., Feingold, J., & Feshbach, S. (1974). Sexual arousal and behavioral aggression. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 30, 759-764.
Malamuth, N., & Feshbach, S. (1972). Risky shift in a naturalistic setting. Journal of Personality, 4, 38-49. PDF
