OBJECTIVE: Undergraduate rape disclosure recipients' and nonrecipients' sociodemographic and life experience variables, attitudes towards rape, and responses to a hypothetical rape disclosure were compared to determine differences between them. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred ninety-two undergraduates at 3 universities participated in this online survey between November 2011 and April 2012. METHODS: Participants reported on their rape myth acceptance (RMA) and personal direct and indirect (ie, disclosure receipt) experiences with sexual assault. Participants also responded to a hypothetical rape disclosure. RESULTS: Disclosure recipients were more likely to report a victimization history, and less confusion and perceived ineffectiveness in helping the hypothetical victim. RMA and nonrecipient status predicted perceived victim responsibility; these variables and childhood victimization predicted confusion about helping. RMA also predicted perceived ineffectiveness of one's helping behaviors. Victimization history and female gender predicted victim empathy. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can inform sexual assault-related programming for undergraduates through the provision of targeted assistance and corrective information.
OBJECTIVE: Undergraduate rape disclosure recipients' and nonrecipients' sociodemographic and life experience variables, attitudes towards rape, and responses to a hypothetical rape disclosure were compared to determine differences between them. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred ninety-two undergraduates at 3 universities participated in this online survey between November 2011 and April 2012. METHODS:Participants reported on their rape myth acceptance (RMA) and personal direct and indirect (ie, disclosure receipt) experiences with sexual assault. Participants also responded to a hypothetical rape disclosure. RESULTS: Disclosure recipients were more likely to report a victimization history, and less confusion and perceived ineffectiveness in helping the hypothetical victim. RMA and nonrecipient status predicted perceived victim responsibility; these variables and childhood victimization predicted confusion about helping. RMA also predicted perceived ineffectiveness of one's helping behaviors. Victimization history and female gender predicted victim empathy. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can inform sexual assault-related programming for undergraduates through the provision of targeted assistance and corrective information.
Entities:
Keywords:
college; disclosure; rape; sexual assault; social support
Authors: Lisa A Paul; Kate Walsh; Jenna L McCauley; Kenneth J Ruggiero; Heidi S Resnick; Dean G Kilpatrick Journal: Violence Against Women Date: 2013-05-06
Authors: Christina M Dardis; Katie R Davin; Lindsey M Rodriguez; Emily R Dworkin; Katie M Edwards; Sarah E Ullman; Emily A Waterman Journal: Psychol Violence Date: 2020-10-22