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

Abstract

Objective: The current study examined the influence of rape myth acceptance on self-blame and psychological symptoms following a sexual assault. Participants: The sample included 280 female sexual assault survivors in college. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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.

Keywords:

• Depression
• posttraumatic stress disorder
• rape myths
• self-blame
• sexual assault

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of United States and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of the University of Central Florida.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.

Notes

1 Due to a branching error in the initial version of the survey, 149 participants that indicated experiencing a sexual assault were not administered all measures (i.e., the PCL-5 and the PTCI).