Date Approved

7-20-2026

Embargo Period

7-20-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. Clinical Psychology

Department

Psychology

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

D.J. Angelone, Ph.D.

Committee Member 1

Meredith C. Jones, Ph.D.

Committee Member 2

Tennelle Porter, Ph.D.

Committee Member 3

Thomas Dinzeo, Ph.D.

Keywords

Rape Myth Acceptance;Sexism;Sexual Violence;Student-Athletes

Disciplines

Clinical Psychology | Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

Sexual violence (SV) is a persistent concern on U.S. college campuses, with student-athletes at higher risk for both perpetration and victimization. Rape myth acceptance (RMA) reflects beliefs that excuse or downplay SV, but it is unclear how these beliefs relate to student-athletes’ personal experiences with SV. This study examined RMA based on past SV involvement and gender, with attention to individuals reporting both perpetration and victimization. Participants were 350 NCAA Division III student-athletes who completed measures of SV perpetration and victimization, RMA, and sexism. Analyses evaluated differences in RMA by past involvement in sexual violence and gender while controlling for sexism. Results showed that men endorsed higher RMA than women, and that higher levels of sexism were strongly associated with greater RMA. When controlling for sexism, past SV involvement was not a significant predictor, and there was no interaction between gender and SV history. Exploratory analyses suggested that student-athletes reporting both perpetration and victimization tended to endorse higher RMA than those with no SV involvement. These findings suggest that while RMA may reflect certain attitudes, it does not fully capture risk among student-athletes. Prevention efforts should broaden their focus to address behaviors, peer norms, consent education, and gendered attitudes, particularly for individuals with complex histories of SV, rather than relying solely on myth correction.

Download

Share

COinS