Male Rape Myths: The Role of Gender, Violence, and Sexism

• NCJ Number: 237061
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 23 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2008 Pages: 600-615
• Author(s): Kristine M. Chapleau; Debra L. Oswald; Brenda L. Russell
• Date Published: May 2008
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The goal of this study was to develop a better understanding of rape myths about male victims.

Abstract

This study investigates the structure of Struckman-Johnson and Struckman-Johnson's Male Rape Myth Scale, examines gender differences in rape myth acceptance, and explores the underlying ideologies that facilitate male rape myth acceptance. A three-factor model, with rape myths regarding Trauma, Blame, and Denial as separate subscales, is the best fitting solution. However, the results indicate that additional scale development and validity tests are necessary. In exploratory analyses, men are more accepting of male rape myths than are women. Benevolent sexism toward men and acceptance of interpersonal violence are strong predictors of male rape myth acceptance for both men and women. Thus, the attitudes that facilitate rape myth acceptance against men appear to be similar to those that facilitate rape myth acceptance against women. Suggestions for future scale development are outlined and theoretical implications of the findings are discussed. (Published Abstract)