scholarly journals I Blame Therefore It Was: Rape Myth Acceptance, Victim Blaming, and Memory Reconstruction

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (8) ◽  
pp. 1269-1282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rael J. Dawtry ◽  
Philip J. Cozzolino ◽  
Mitchell J. Callan
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Rape Myth Acceptance ◽  
Rape Myth ◽  
Victim Blaming ◽  
Causal Order ◽  
Reconstruction Process ◽  
Memory Accuracy ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Myth Acceptance

We examined the causal order of relationships between rape myth acceptance (RMA), victim blaming, and memory reconstruction. In Study 1, RMA-congruent memory (or alternatively, victim blaming) mediated the relationship between RMA and victim blaming (memory reconstruction). In Study 2, similar relationships emerged between RMA, victim blaming, and memory reconstruction. Although no mediation of RMA occurred in Study 2 independently, a mini meta-analysis of Studies 1 and 2 data replicated both patterns of mediation observed in Study 1. In Study 3, memory accuracy for neutral details of a rape scenario was unrelated to RMA. Manipulating memory to be more (vs. less) RMA congruent had no effect on victim blaming (Study 4), although manipulating perceived victim blameworthiness (Studies 5 and 6) produced RMA-congruent memory reconstruction when the victim was more (vs. less) blameworthy. The results suggest that, via victim blaming, RMA motivates a memory reconstruction process that explains and justifies victim blaming after the fact.

Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Rape Myth Acceptance: Preliminary Findings From a Sample of Primarily LGBQ-Identified Survey Respondents

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corina Schulze ◽  
Sarah Koon-Magnin
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Rape Myth Acceptance ◽  
Rape Myth ◽  
Male Rape ◽  
Acceptance Scale ◽  
Physical Resistance ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Myth Acceptance

This study is among the first to examine the relationship between sexual orientation and rape myth adherence using a nationwide survey of primarily lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) respondents (n = 184). The more established Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale and a modified Male Rape Survey serve as the primary instruments to test both rape myth adherence and instrument-appropriateness. Results suggest that respondents were most likely to support myths that discredit sexual assault allegations or excuse rape as a biological imperative and least likely to support myths related to physical resistance. Consistent with previous work, men exhibited higher levels of rape myth adherence than women. Regarding sexual orientation, respondents who identified as queer consistently exhibited lower levels of rape myth adherence than respondents who identified as gay.

Does Sexism Mediate the Gender and Rape Myth Acceptance Relationship?

2020 ◽  
pp. 107780122091363
Author(s):  
D. J. Angelone ◽  
Nicole Cantor ◽  
Tiffany Marcantonio ◽  
Meredith Joppa
Keyword(s):  
Rape Myth Acceptance ◽  
Hostile Sexism ◽  
Rape Myth ◽  
Sexual Assault Prevention ◽  
Established Relationship ◽  
Assault Victims ◽  
Sexist Beliefs ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Assault Prevention ◽  
Myth Acceptance

Compared with women, men tend to blame assault victims, exonerate perpetrators, and report higher levels of sexism and rape myths. The goal of the present study was to determine whether sexist beliefs mediate the established relationship between gender and rape myth acceptance in a sample of 626 college students. Results demonstrated that hostile sexism, complementary gender differentiation, and heterosexual intimacy mediated the relationship between gender and rape myth acceptance, suggesting that these attitudes play a role in victim blaming and have potential to inform the development of sexual assault prevention programs.

Reconsidering Forced Labels: Outcomes of Sexual Assault Survivors Versus Victims (and Those Who Choose Neither)

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 668-683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Williamson ◽  
Kelly Serna
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Rape Myth Acceptance ◽  
Rape Myth ◽  
Victim Blaming ◽  
Sexual Assault Survivors ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Assault Survivors ◽  
Myth Acceptance

The goal of the current study was to assess the effects of self-labeling on attitudes related to victim- and self-blaming and self-compassion outcomes in 85 participants (75 women, 10 men) who have experienced sexual assault. Participants classified themselves as either a survivor, victim, or neither survivor nor victim of sexual assault. Regardless of self-classification, groups did not differ in victim-blaming (rape myth acceptance), self-blaming, or levels of self-compassion. Implications for language and forced labels of those who have experienced sexual assault are discussed.

Who Are You to Me? Relational Distance to Victims and Perpetrators Affects Advising to Report Rape

2021 ◽  
pp. 107780122110055
Author(s):  
Arathy Puthillam ◽  
Aneree Parekh ◽  
Hansika Kapoor
Keyword(s):  
Acquaintance Rape ◽  
Rape Myth Acceptance ◽  
Rape Myth ◽  
Victim Blaming ◽  
Relational Distance ◽  
Myth Acceptance

The victim’s decision to report a crime is generally dependent on the advice received from a confidant. The effects of a confidant’s relationship to victims and perpetrators on the advice given to report rape were investigated. Indian participants ( N = 418) read one of the seven scenarios of acquaintance rape as a confidant; the scenarios depicted different relationships between the victim and perpetrator (family vs. friend vs. stranger). Confidants closer to victims were more likely to advise reporting, whereas confidants closer to the perpetrator were less likely to advise reporting. Rape myth acceptance and victim blaming negatively predicted reporting to agencies.

scholarly journals Rape Crimes Reviewed: The Role of Observer Variables in Female Victim Blaming

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Clara Ferrão ◽  
Gabriela Gonçalves
Keyword(s):  
Ambivalent Sexism ◽  
Rape Myth Acceptance ◽  
Rape Myth ◽  
Victim Blame ◽  
Victim Blaming ◽  
Rape Empathy ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Male Perpetrator ◽  
Myth Acceptance

This article presents an overview of empirical research on the role of observer variables in rape victim blaming (female attacked by a male perpetrator). The focus is on literature from the last 15 years. The variables observer gender, ambivalent sexism, rape myth acceptance, and rape empathy are discussed in relation to victim blaming. Most research on rape is conducted using diverse methods and approaches that result in a great disparity regarding the role of these variables in predicting blame assignments. Despite the inconsistencies, most studies show that men hold the victim more responsible for her own victimization than women. Findings further indicate that higher scores on sexist ideologies and rape myth acceptance predict higher victim blame, and that higher rape empathy scores predict lower victim blame. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

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