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[Relations Between Rape Myths and Behavioral and Personality Characteristics in Males Convicted of Rape]
Laura Freudenthaler1, Reinhard Eher1,2
1Begutachtungs- und Evaluationsstelle für Gewalt- und Sexualstraftäter (BEST), Österreichisches Bundesministerium für Justiz, Wien, Österreich.
Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik, Medizinische Psychologie
|February 5, 2024
Summary
Rape myth acceptance in convicted rapists correlates with aggressiveness and certain personality traits, but not psychopathy. These findings help differentiate rape myths from antisocial personality disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
Context:
- Rape myth acceptance is a significant risk factor for sexual violence.
- Limited research exists on the psychological correlates of rape perpetration.
Purpose:
- To explore the relationships between rape myth acceptance and various psychological constructs in males convicted of rape.
- To examine associations with aggressiveness, assertiveness, hypersexuality, social anxiety, personality disorders, and psychopathy.
Summary:
- Analyzed self-reported rape myth acceptance and psychological characteristics in 569 males convicted of rape.
- Found significant correlations with aggressiveness, hypersexuality, paranoid, and narcissistic personality traits.
- Rape myths formed a distinct component separate from psychopathy and antisocial personality.
Impact:
- Provides a nuanced understanding of the psychological profile of individuals who commit rape.
- Helps differentiate rape myth endorsement from psychopathy and antisocial personality traits.
- Informs targeted interventions and risk assessment strategies for sexual offenders.
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