Assessing Relations Between Rape Myth Acceptance, Prior Sexual Victimization, and Bystander Intervention Behavior

Abstract

Campus Sexual Assault (CSA) remains a very prevalent issue in higher education (Koss et al., 2022). Through cultural norms, sexual violence is often normalized, with blame frequently shifted away from perpetrators and onto victims. Rape myth acceptance (RMA) contributes to harmful harmful attitudes that justify or minimize sexual violence (Lonsway & Fitzgerald, 1994). Prior research suggests that lower endorsement of rape myths is associated with greater prosocial bystander intervention behavior (McMahon, 2010); however, findings on the role of prior victimization are mixed. This study used a mix-method approach, including a survey and interviews. Results indicated that members of Greek life reported lower RMA and higher engagement in bystander intervention. Individuals with a history of sexual victimization were also more likely to intervene in risky situations. Interviews revealed themes of increased awareness of sexual violence following personal experiences, as well deeper analysis of subtle victim-blaming narratives and rape myths that may not be fully captured through the self-report survey. The findings from this study suggest that both belief systems and lived experiences shape bystander intervention. There is a need to improve sexual violence prevention efforts that address rape myth acceptance, challenge normalized harmful attitudes, and promote community accountability by enhancing the role of bystanders at Bucknell. Future research can explore these relationships on more diverse college campuses with different social contexts