RT Article
T1 Rape Myth Acceptance Buffers the Association Between Sexual Assault and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among College Students
JF Journal of interpersonal violence
VO 37
IS 21/22
A1 Valdespino-Hayden, Zerbrina
A1 Walsh, Kate
A1 Lowe, Sarah R.
A2 Walsh, Kate
A2 Lowe, Sarah R.
LA English
YR 2022
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1884144802
AB Rape myths are cultural beliefs that invalidate, blame, and stigmatize rape survivors, thereby perpetuating sexual violence. Few studies have explored associations between rape myth acceptance (RMA) and mental health outcomes, but evidence suggests that RMA can buffer the mental health impact of some forms of sexual assault. The current study examined the buffering effect of RMA on depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms using self-report data from an online survey of 500 female college students. Findings provided support for the buffering effect of RMA on the association between any sexual assault and PTSD symptoms. Experiencing any sexual assault was significantly associated with greater PTSD symptoms among participants with low RMA, whereas this association was only marginally significant among those with high RMA. Findings demonstrate that there are some contexts in which high RMA might lessen the mental health impact of sexual assault. Thus, it is possible that as progress is made to dismantle rape myths in society, mental health symptoms amongst some survivors may exacerbate, thereby increasing the demand for mental health services.
K1 College students
K1 Depression
K1 Posttraumatic stress
K1 rape myth acceptance
K1 Rape Myths
K1 Sexual Assault
DO 10.1177/08862605211050101