Individual variables related to rape myth acceptance and bystander intervention : implications for sexual assault prevention

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Justine Marie Diener (Creator)
Institution
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
Advisor
Erin Myers

Abstract: The present study was conducted to examine whether individual variables (e.g., sexist beliefs, gender-conforming attitudes, and attitudes toward sexuality) can be combined to predict Rape Myth Acceptance (RMA) and Bystander Intervention (BI) attitudes and behaviors. Participants (N = 173) completed individual differences measures (i.e., Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory, Conformity to Feminine Norms Inventory, Sexual Attitudes Scale, Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, Just World Scale, and Sexual Knowledge Survey) as well as measures of RMA and BI (i.e., Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale, Bystander Attitudes Scale—Revised, Bystander Behaviors Scale—Revised). A series of stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that RMA was predicted by hostile sexist beliefs, sexual knowledge, bystander attitudes, bystander intervention behaviors, and benevolent sexist beliefs. BI attitudes were predicted by the belief that “it wasn’t really rape”, conformity to masculine norms, bystander behaviors, and personal just world beliefs. BI behaviors were predicted by sexual knowledge, proactive bystander attitudes, and personal just world beliefs. The discussion will focus on implications for sexual assault prevention programs on college campuses and how these programs may benefit from understanding the role of individual variables in RMA and BI attitudes and behaviors. We will also discuss factors that predict RMA and BI attitudes and behaviors specifically in women (N = 137)

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2016
Keywords
Bystander Intervention, prevention, rape, Rape Myth Acceptance, sexual assault, Sexual Assault Prevention
Subjects
Rape -- Prevention
Bystander effect
Sexism
Sex role
Sex crimes -- United States -- Prevention
College students -- Crimes against -- United States
Campus violence -- United States -- Prevention

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