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Reducing Rape Myth Acceptance Through Educational Debunking
Ellen Katharina Kreuer1, Charlotte Bücken1,2, Henry Otgaar1,2
1Leuven Institute of Criminology, KU Leuven, Belgium.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|March 29, 2026
Summary
An educational intervention effectively reduced rape myth acceptance (RMA) by providing myth-debunking information. This reduction in RMA was sustained over time, suggesting a practical approach to challenging harmful narratives.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Victimology
- Public Health
Background:
- Reducing rape myth acceptance (RMA) is crucial for victim support and combating sexual aggression.
- Societal narratives often excuse sexual aggression, necessitating interventions to challenge these myths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention in reducing RMA.
- To determine if myth-debunking information can decrease acceptance of rape myths.
Main Methods:
- Participants completed a pre-test on rape myth statements.
- Random assignment to an educational intervention group or a control group.
- RMA reassessed immediately post-intervention and after a 2-week follow-up.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed a significant reduction in RMA scores.
- Reductions in RMA were observed both immediately after the intervention and at the 2-week follow-up.
- The control group did not exhibit significant changes in RMA.
Conclusions:
- Providing concise, evidence-based information is an effective strategy to reduce RMA.
- Educational interventions can lead to sustained decreases in rape myth acceptance.
- Findings support the use of targeted information to challenge societal narratives excusing sexual aggression.
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