Rape myths and religiosity

Many misconceptions about rape exist. This research used data from a random sample of students at a small, church-related liberal arts college to examine how religiosity relates to several common rape myths. Among the myths considered are whether a woman who is raped has only herself to blame ii she is provocatively dressed, has a history of promiscuous behavior, or has been drinking alcoholic beverages. Findings suggest sex and religiosity interact to affect rape myth acceptance: Religiosity relates to rape myth acceptance only after controlling for sex. More religious men thought that women must accept some blame for their rapes, whereas religious women were less likely to blame the victim. Explanations for this finding include the sexual difference both in rape myth acceptance and in religious beliefs.