To assess joint influence of sexual provocativeness and prior sexual assault on perceptions of rape victims, males and females read rape reports presented in a factorial design that completely crossed levels of these variables. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated main effects for the independent variables but no interactions. Observers attributed more blame to victims whose preassault behavior was more provocative and who had a prior rape history. Relative to males, females were generally more empathic toward victims. Observers' perceptions were discussed in terms of attributions of causal and moral responsibility for assault.

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In order to investigate historical shifts in attitudes toward mental health and mental health services, two independent samples of older adults separated by a 14-year time interval (1977 sample, N = 91; 1991 sample, N = 116) were administered questionnaires. Four newly created, internally consistent scales assessed multiple dimensions of their mental health attitudes (breadth of conceptions, bias, openness to help, range of problems). Analyses suggested that the younger cohorts of older adults held more positive attitudes toward mental health and mental health services than the older cohorts. These cohort differences remained when controlled for age, level of education, self-reported health, and income. These data indicate a positive cohort shift in attitudes toward mental health, a finding with numerous implications for the design and implementation of mental health services for future cohorts of older persons.

Caucasian-, Hispanic-, and Asian-American male and female students (n=764) attending a California (USA) public university reported their perceptions of sexual assault. After reading a rape vignette, participants gave their impressions of the victim; estimated time needed for recovery and treatment; and recommended a sentence for the assailant.Half of the sample received information regarding state sentencing guidelines. Relative to female participants, males perceived the victim as more responsible. CaucasianAmerican males had stronger reservation about the victim's judgment. Males were less inclined to assign blame than were females. Ethnicity was the only factor influencing perceptions of recovery. Ethnicity and sentencing guidelines, but not gender, impacted imprisonment decisions. Issues impeding a unified theoretical understanding of perceptions of rape victims were considered.

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