The Role of Female Rape Myth Acceptance, Homophobia Towards Gay Men, Age and Gender as Predictors of Male Rape Myth Acceptance

Sexual assault and rape is a worldwide problem. Rape myth acceptance has been identified as one of the factors associated with rape and sexual aggression, with rape myth acceptance aiding in the perpetrator’s justification while
simultaneously placing the blame on the victim. However, the vast majority of studies on rape myths has been exclusively dedicated to rape myths about female victims (female rape myths). The current study aimed to investigate male rape
myth acceptance (MRMA) and the factors which can influence it, such as female rape myth acceptance (FRMA), homophobia towards gay men (HTGM), age, and gender, to determine if there was a significant correlation. A sample of 84 UK
residents between the ages of 18 and 67 years (35.7% males, and 64.3% females) were recruited through opportunity sampling. The Male Rape Myth Acceptance Scale (MRMAS), the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale-Revised (IRMA-R),
and the Negative Attitudes Towards Gay Men Scale (NATGM) were used to assess the acceptance of male rape myths, female rape myths, and homophobia towards gay men. Standard multiple regression analysis indicated that together FRMA, HTGM, age, and gender significantly predicted a greater acceptance of male rape myths. Individually, only FRMA, HTGM, and age were found to be significant predictors of MRMA. The findings support the idea that sociocultural factors could have a stronger influence of rape myths than gender. This can inform the development of appropriate education and awareness programmes and adjustment of prevention programmes and interventions that are aimed at decreasing male rape myth acceptance.