Attitudes Toward Rape

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in attitudes toward rape between Asian and Caucasian college students. The Attitudes Toward Rape scale was used to measure beliefs about rape in a convenience sample of 169 college students. Three items regarding stranger rape myths were added. Findings suggest that Asian students are more likely than Caucasian students to believe women should be held responsible for preventing rape and to view sex as the primary motivation for rape. Asians also have stronger beliefs than Caucasians do that victims cause the rape and that most rapists are strangers. This research suggests that outreach programs can play an important role in providing information, education, and prevention regarding rape and that males and Asian students should be target populations for such programs.

Misogyny, Acculturation, and Ethnic Identity: Relation to Rape-Supportive Attitudes in Asian American College Men

“…However, the differences were small in absolute terms, representing less than a one point difference on a 10-point scale. It is important to note that this ethnic difference appears to be a robust finding and is consistent with research results from the past 15 years (Kennedy & Gorzalka, 2002; Lee et al, 2005; Mills & Granoff, 1992; Mori et al, 1995). This finding further bolsters the argument for the incorporation of cultural considerations when developing theoretical models and prevention programs.…”

“…Research integrating cultural constructs is necessary to attend to the cultural socialization process of other marginalized groups and understanding sexuality for those who may not fit mainstream American culture. The current study takes an important first step toward elucidating the cultural context for the pattern of Asian American men’s tendency to hold more rape-supportive attitudes than their non-Asian counterparts (Kennedy & Gorzalka, 2002; Lee et al, 2005; Mills & Granoff, 1992; Mori et al, 1995). With rates of sexual assault and rape on the rise (Rand, 2008) and detrimental outcomes of sexual assault continuing to persist (CDC, 2007), findings such as these can properly inform more culturally-relevant treatment and interventions of sexual assault for an ever-diversifying country.…”

“…Researchers have consistently found that Asian American college students hold more rape-supportive attitudes than their non-Asian counterparts (Kennedy & Gorzalka, 2002; Lee, Pomeroy, Yoo, & Rheinboldt, 2005; Mori, Bernat, Glenn, Selle, & Zarate, 1995). To date, such studies have not identified factors contributing to this phenomenon.…”

The Associations Between Forced Sex and Severe Mental Health, Substance Use, and HIV Risk Behaviors Among Asian American Women

“…This rate is lower than that for Black (22%) and White (18.8%) women, but is similar to the rate for Hispanic women (14.6%; Black et al, 2011). Multiple studies on the prevalence of forced sex in Asian American women show that the consistently lower prevalence rate may be due to underreporting as a result of shame and stigma (Futa, Hsu, & Hansen, 2001; Hall, Windover, & Maramba, 1998; J. Lee et al, 2005).…”

Assessing Risk, Recidivism, and Dangerousness in Asians

“…Hall et al concluded that interpersonal variables may serve as risk or protective factors for sexual aggression; specifi cally "loss of face" (i.e., source of shame) was determined to be a protective factor against sexual aggression in the Asian American samples studied. Researchers also examined Asian attitudes toward rape and the prevailing fi nding has been that Asian Americans tend be more tolerant of rape myths than their non-Asian counterparts (e.g., Kennedy & Gorzalka, 2002 ;Koo, Stephens, Lindgren, & George, 2012 ;Lee, Pomeroy, Yoo, & Rheinboldt, 2005 ). The link between attitudes and risk assessment is not concrete.…”