Factors Affecting Blame Attribution for Rape in Ghana: An Examination of Rape Type, Participant Gender, Empathy, and Perceived Similarity

• In Event: Victimization Risk and Attitudes towards Victims: The Influence of Culture, Immigration and Social Networks

Abstract

This study examines the attribution of blame for rape in Ghana. In a 2 x 3 design, participants in the central region of Ghana were randomly selected by sex into three different conditions. The three conditions included different vignettes which either depicted a stranger rape, an acquaintance rape, or a familial rape. After reading the vignette, participants completed measures of empathy and sympathy towards victim and perpetrator, rated perceived similarity to both, and answered questions related to how much both were to blame for the incident. The presentation will present results and indicate directions for future research.

Authors

• Bridget K. Diamond-Welch, University of South Dakota

• Jerry F. Amos-Clement, University of South Dakota