Rape Myth Acceptance Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Mostly Heterosexual College Students

Abstract

Although there is a wealth of existing research on various correlates and patterns of rape myth acceptance (RMA), including how RMA relates to homophobia (i.e., antigay and antilesbian perspectives) and negativity toward lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) men and women rape victims, no research to date has specifically focused on RMA among LGB and "mostly heterosexual" men and women. The current study examines how gender, sexual identity, personal experiences with rape (i.e., knowing/being a survivor), feminist identity, patriarchal gender norms, attitudes toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, and the interactions among these relate to LGB college students' ( n = 389; 24% gay/lesbian, 19% bisexual, 57% mostly heterosexual) RMA using the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale-Short Form. Findings show that being a woman, being LGB, identifying as a feminist, and knowing/being a survivor are all negatively related to RMA, whereas patriarchal gender norms are positively related to RMA. Attitudes toward LGBT people had differing effects whereby attitudes toward gay men were unassociated with RMA, attitudes toward lesbian women and trans men were negatively associated with RMA, and attitudes toward bisexual men and women and trans women differed depending on the comparison reference group (exclusive heterosexuals, n = 1,551, mostly heterosexuals, n = 222). Furthermore, the interacting effects of these identities, experiences, and perspectives also revealed significant findings that add complexity to these relationships. Overall, this research seeks to fill the gaps in the literature, expand our knowledge about rape myths, and contribute to new lines of inquiry that focus on LGB people's perspectives to work toward a deeper understanding of rape myths, so that ultimately, these damaging perspectives can be dispelled.

Differences in Rape Acknowledgment and Mental Health Outcomes Across Transgender, Nonbinary, and Cisgender Bisexual Youth

“…However, Wilson et al (2018) found that the relationship between rape acknowledgment and depression symptoms was moderated by rape myth acceptance. Given the lower endorsement of these attitudes by sexual minorities (Worthen, 2017), perhaps these findings are not surprising and indicate that recovery after rape is different for SGM people. It may also be that the high levels of rape acknowledgment in our sample limited variability for this comparison.…”

“…At this point, we consider these hypotheses of equal probative value. Because sexual minorities are less likely to endorse rape myths (Worthen, 2017), our population may have had a broader view of what rape is, misaligned with research definitions. It is important to consider how our participants may use these terms and how our research methods may invalidate their experiences.…”

A Correlational Model of Rape Myth Acceptance and Psychosocial Factors Among Medical School Students

“…rape myths than heterosexual men and women (Worthen, 2017); reasons presented to explain this finding include the former being raped more frequently (Balsam, Rothblum, & Beauchaine, 2005), being less sexist, adhering less to patriarchal gender norms, and supporting feministic ideas more commonly than the latter. However, not all non-heteronormative individuals abandon patriarchal and cultural norms.…”

“…Sexism, mainly the hostile kind that comprises negative attitudes toward individuals who violate traditional gender A stereotypes, seems to be a common denominator of rape myth acceptance (Chapleau, 2007) and can be associated with risky sexual behaviors (Glick, 1996). On the contrary, being non-heteronormative has been negatively correlated with rape myth acceptance (Worthen, 2017).…”

Differences in Rape Acknowledgement and Mental Health Outcomes across Transgender, Non-binary, and Cisgender Bisexual Youth

“…However, found that the relationship between rape acknowledgment and depression symptoms was moderated by rape myth acceptance. Given the lower endorsement of these attitudes by sexual minorities (Worthen, 2017), perhaps these findings are not surprising, and indicate that recovery after rape is different for SGM people. It may also be that the high levels of rape acknowledgment in our sample limited variability for this comparison.…”