Stretching It Until It Breaks: The Perceived Elasticity of Sexual Consent in Intimate Partner Relationships

Although sexual consent has become increasingly prominent in public discourse following the #MeToo movement, its meaning within intimate relationships often remains ambiguous. Nonconsensual sexual contact between intimate partners nevertheless represents an important form of violence requiring greater understanding. To explore men's perceptions of sexual consent in intimate relationships, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 29 men receiving community-based treatment for emotion regulation difficulties and violent behavior in intimate partner or family contexts. Thematic analysis revealed three distinct perceptions of consent: as fundamental, taken for granted, and as a burden. Findings illustrate a perceived elasticity of sexual consent. While most participants recognized the importance of consent, some viewed it as implied within committed relationships, which could contribute to coercive situations. A minority expressed more dismissive attitudes toward consent, highlighting the limits of this elasticity and the potential emergence of nonconsensual sexual contact. Much like an elastic band, when stretched too far, it breaks, resulting in non-consensual sexual contact. These findings underscore the importance of addressing sexual consent within intimate relationships in interventions with men, while also promoting broader discussions of sexual well-being, emotional closeness, mutual connection, and relational intimacy.