High School and University Athletic Participation and Its Influences on Rape Myth Acceptance Among Students

• In Event: Myths, Media, and Perceptions of Crime

Abstract

This study explored how the role of athletic participation influenced rape myth acceptance among university students. The updated Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance scale was administered to 727 university students from 21 Division I universities. Rape myth acceptance was low in the sample, with athletic participation having influenced a greater endorsement of rape myths. Higher rape myth acceptance among female and male students who participated in high school athletics were associated with younger ages, lower GPAs, being Greek, greater number of drinks consumed in one sitting, and greater religiosity. Female students who never participated in athletics who knew a sexual assault victim, consumed fewer number of drinks in one sitting, and a lower religiosity were associated with the rejection of rape myths.

Authors

• John C. Navarro, University of Louisville

• Richard Tewksbury, University of Louisville