A Closer Look at Rape Myth Beliefs Among University Students: Comparisons and Correlates Based on Field and Stage of Study, Victimisation Experiences, Demographics and Psychological Traits
A Closer Look at Rape Myth Beliefs Among University Students: Comparisons and Correlates Based on Field and Stage of Study, Victimisation Experiences, Demographics and Psychological Traits
StatusPost-Print
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Authors
Willmott, Dominic
Johnston, Mairi
Widanaralalage, B. Kennath
Mojtahedi, Dara
Boduszek, Daniel
McDermott, Danielle
Kirkman, Gillian
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Behavioral Sciences and the Law
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1-13
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0735-3936
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2026-10-22
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
Disproportionate rates of sexual violence occur among university students, with rape culture and misconceptions about consentprevalent. To comprehensively examine rape myth beliefs among different student groups, 417 UK University students enrolledon courses in four distinct disciplinary areas; social sciences (n = 131), applied sciences (n = 101), business and law (n = 96) andarts and humanities (n = 89), completed the Acceptance of Modern Myths about Sexual Aggression (AMMSA) scale. Differencesin AMMSA scores (small to very large) were observed between students across all disciplinary groupings, with applied scienceand business and law students scoring highest in rape myth beliefs. Demographic and victimisation differences were alsoobserved; male students, BAME students and students without direct exposure to sexual victimisation, expressed greater rapemyth acceptance scores. Regression revealed that gender, ethnicity, students' stage of study, deficits in affective empathy andhaving a friend or family member that had experienced sexual violence, were significant correlates of student's rape mythbeliefs. Findings have important implications for university responses to sexual violence, helping identify those students mostlikely to benefit from targeted educational interventions designed to improve understanding around consent and debunk rapestereotypes—a priority for Higher Education providers.
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Keywords PL
Keywords EN
AMMSA
consent
E6 condition
education
higher education
rape myths
sexual violence
university students
consent
E6 condition
education
higher education
rape myths
sexual violence
university students
Keywords other
Sustainable Development Goals
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