Poster #245 - Unmasking Male Rape Myths: A Study of Criminal Justice Undergraduates

• In Event: ASC Poster Session I

Abstract

This study examines male rape myth acceptance among 110 criminal justice undergraduates from a southeastern university. Participants completed an online survey of adherence to rape myths about male victims, alongside demographic and attitudinal variables (e.g., Greek life, sports participation, knowing a rape victim, homophobia, rape myths, gender roles, and male inexpressiveness). In an initial multivariate regression model, identifying as male and playing varsity or club sports was associated with greater acceptance of these myths. However, once additional attitudinal factors were included in the full model, gender was no longer significant; instead, homophobia, sports participation, increased perceptions of false reporting by male rape victims, and stereotypes about male inexpressiveness emerged as key predictors. On average, participants adhered to 4.4 myth items (SD = 3.8), while 10% endorsed no myths at all. These findings underscore how entrenched attitudes surrounding masculinity and sexual assault may perpetuate male rape myths, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions within criminal justice programs.

Author

• Scott Walfield, East Carolina University