Judgments About Male Victims of Sexual Assault by Women: A 35-Year Replication Study

• DOI: 10.1177/08862605211062990
• Publication Date: 2022-01-03T21:05:03Z
• Authors: Emma K. PeConga; Jacqueline E. Spe...; Ronald E. Smith
• Keywords: Sexual assault

Sexual assault of men by women has received increasing attention in recent years, as research on rape myths about male victims. This study is a cross-generational replication 1984 college students' judgments and female victims scenario involving sexual carried out or assailants. The data (n = 172) were compared with those 2019 cohort 372) 2 (participant gender) x (assailant (victim (cohort) factorial design to assess potential generational changes perceptions Judgments participants assaults changed notably over time. was less likely judge that the victim initiated encouraged incident (40% 15% 2019) derived pleasure from it (47.4% 5.8% 2019). In contrast, more attribute encouragement (26.9% 4.3% 1984) (25% 5% 1984). A similar gender pattern occurred how stressful event for victim. Analysis revealed overall, despite scientific cultural shifts have past three decades, continued been encouraging experienced stress than any other assailant/victim combination. Results are discussed relation gendered stereotypical beliefs myths, well possible sensitization power differentials inspired #MeToo movement. We emphasize need greater awareness empirical abuse runs counter preconceived notions victimization.