Individual variables related to rape myth acceptance and bystander intervention implications for sexual assault prevention
The present study was conducted to examine whether individual variables (e.g. sexist beliefs, gender conforming attitudes, and attitudes toward sexuality) can be combined to predict Rape Myth Acceptance (RMA) and Bystander Intervention (BI) attitudes and behaviors. Participants (N 173) completed individual differences measures (i.e. Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory, Conformity to Feminine Norms Inventory, Sexual Attitudes Scale, Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, Just World Scale, and Sexual Knowledge Survey) as well as measures of RMA and BI (i.e. Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale, Bystander Attitudes Scale Revised, Bystander Behaviors Scale Revised) A series of stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that RMA was predicted by hostile sexist beliefs, sexual knowledge, bystander attitudes, bystander intervention behaviors, and benevolent sexist beliefs. BI attitudes were predicted by the belief that "it wasn't really rape" conformity to masculine norms, bystander behaviors, and personal just world beliefs. BI behaviors were predicted by sexual knowledge, proactive bystander attitudes, and personal just world beliefs. The discussion will focus on implications for sexual assault prevention programs on college campuses and how these programs may benefit from understanding the role of individual variables in RMA and BI attitudes and behaviors. We will also discuss factors that predict RMA and BI attitudes and behaviors specifically in women (N 137)