Black Parents' Rape Myth Acceptance and Communication About Rape: Moderating Effects of Gender

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Parent-child communication significantly impacts adolescent sexual health and risk behaviors.
• Structural inequalities and cultural stigmas impede open discussions on sexual trauma, particularly rape, within Black families.
• Rape myths perpetuate harmful beliefs that can affect communication and perpetuate sexual violence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how gender, sexual trauma exposure, and demographics influence the relationship between rape myth acceptance and parent-child communication about rape among Black parents.
• To understand factors affecting sexual health communication within Black families, focusing on rape and sexual trauma.
• To inform culturally responsive interventions addressing sexual violence and communication barriers.

Main Methods:

• An online questionnaire assessed sexual health communication and rape myth beliefs.
• Participants included 270 Black parents and caregivers with children aged 10-24.
• Bivariate and regression analyses were used to examine relationships between variables.

Main Results:

• Mothers and parents with sexual trauma experience reported more frequent rape discussions than fathers and those without trauma history.
• Higher acceptance of rape myths correlated with decreased communication about rape, particularly among mothers.
• Gender socialization and personal experiences significantly shape parental communication regarding rape.

Conclusions:

• Culturally responsive interventions are needed to address the intersection of gender, race, and trauma in sexual violence beliefs.
• Challenging rape myths and countering racist/sexist narratives can improve parent-child communication about sexual trauma in Black families.
• Interventions should support open dialogue, reduce stigma, and promote informed sexual health discussions.