ERIC Number: EJ1433395
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: EISSN-1940-3208
Acceptance of Rape Myths and Psychological Symptoms: The Indirect Effect of Self-Blame
Emily Bernstein; Rebekah Kanefsky; Matthew Cook; Amie R. Newins
Journal of American College Health, v72 n6 p1641-1645 2024
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.
Descriptors: Rape, Misconceptions, Mental Health, Emotional Disturbances, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Psychological Patterns, Schemata (Cognition), Victims, Females, College Students, Sexual Abuse, Surveys, Victims of Crime, Rating Scales, Patients, Questionnaires, Correlation, Sexuality
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Sexual Experiences Survey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A