Exploring Correlates of Multiple Perpetrator Rape Proclivity in Women

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Criminology
• Forensic Psychology

Background:

• Limited research exists on women's interest in multiple perpetrator rape (MPR), with most prior studies focusing on male interest.
• Understanding factors associated with women's interest in MPR is crucial for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate correlates of interest in multiple perpetrator rape (MPR) specifically within a female population.
• To examine the relationship between psychological traits (loneliness, psychopathy, anger rumination) and interest in MPR in women.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 182 female participants who completed a series of validated questionnaires.
• Utilized the Multiple-Perpetrator Rape Interest Scale (M-PRIS), alongside measures for loneliness, psychopathy, aggression, sexual fantasies, anger rumination, and rape myth acceptance.
• Employed backward stepwise linear regression to identify significant predictors of MPR interest.

Main Results:

• Psychopathy, acceptance of rape myths, aggression, and deviant sexual fantasies were individually correlated with interest in MPR.
• A significant portion of participants (37%) reported some level of sexual arousal, behavioral propensity, or enjoyment related to hypothetical MPR scenarios.
• Loneliness and anger rumination were not found to be significant predictors in the final regression model.

Conclusions:

• Psychological factors including psychopathy, rape myth acceptance, aggression, and deviant sexual fantasies are associated with women's interest in MPR.
• Findings highlight the need for further research to establish risk factors and predictive elements for women's involvement in rape.
• This study contributes to a better understanding of female interest in MPR, informing future research and clinical practice.