Acceptance of rape myths and psychological symptoms: the indirect effect of self-blame

The current study examined the influence of rape myth acceptance on self-blame and psychological symptoms following a sexual assault. The sample included 280 female sexual assault survivors in college. In an online survey, participants completed the Sexual Experiences Survey - Short Form Victimizati...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of American college health 2024-08, Vol.72 (6), p.1-1645
Main Authors: Bernstein, Emily, Kanefsky, Rebekah, Cook, Matthew, Newins, Amie R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acceptance
Assaults
Blame
Measures
Mythology
Polls & surveys
Post traumatic stress disorder
Psychological problems
Psychological trauma
Rape
Selfblame
Sex crimes
Survivor
Symptoms
Victimization
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The current study examined the influence of rape myth acceptance on self-blame and psychological symptoms following a sexual assault. The sample included 280 female sexual assault survivors in college. In an online survey, participants completed the Sexual Experiences Survey - Short Form Victimization, Updated Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale, Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 item scale, and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. A significant indirect effect was found between acceptance of rape myths and PTSD symptoms via self-blame; acceptance of rape myths was positively associated with self-blame, which in turn was positively associated with PTSD symptoms. Clinicians working with survivors of sexual assault should assess for endorsement of rape myths and self-blame, as challenging posttraumatic cognitions has been shown to reduce symptoms of trauma.
ISSN:0744-8481
1940-3208
1940-3208
DOI:10.1080/07448481.2022.2086005