Rape Myth Acceptance: a Non-Western Perspective
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RAPE MYTH ACCEPTANCE: A NON-WESTERN PERSPECTIVE by DENIECE KIMBERLY SHAM KU A thesis submitted to the University of Birmingham for the degree of DOCTORATE IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE Centre for Forensic and Criminological Psychology School of Psychology The University of Birmingham July 2015 University of Birmingham Research Archive e-theses repository This unpublished thesis/dissertation is copyright of the author and/or third parties. The intellectual property rights of the author or third parties in respect of this work are as defined by The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 or as modified by any successor legislation. Any use made of information contained in this thesis/dissertation must be in accordance with that legislation and must be properly acknowledged. Further distribution or reproduction in any format is prohibited without the permission of the copyright holder. ABSTRACT This thesis examines rape myth acceptance (RMA) in non-western countries. Following the Introduction, Chapter Two presents a systematic review of the existing literature on the demographic and attitudinal factors associated with RMA in adults in non-western societies. In terms of demographic variables, men had higher levels of RMA than women and there was a negative association between education and RMA. There was variability in the results concerning religion and age. Relationships between attitudinal variables and RMA emerged in the expected positive directions, with the exception of gender egalitarianism which demonstrated a predictable inverse relationship with RMA. Although, these findings are consistent with the western literature, the paucity of available studies in non-western societies indicates a need for further research. Chapter Three presents an empirical investigation of demographic and attitudinal correlates of RMA in Jamaica. Results suggested that men and more educated people had lower RMA. A complex relationship was found between RMA and age. No relationship emerged between religion and RMA. Negative attitudes toward women were unsurprisingly positively correlated with RMA, and people who were less conservative in their views about the traditional roles of men and women were less likely to endorse rape myths. Chapter Four presents a critique of a measure of RMA, the Acceptance of Modern Myths about Sexual Aggression (AMMSA; Gerger et al., 2007). This explores some of the methodological issues associated with existing RMA measures and the rationale for the development of the AMMSA. The measure is appraised in terms of its psychometric properties. Strengths and limitations are discussed. Chapter Five is the concluding chapter that draws the thesis together. Main findings are presented, and implications for future research and practice are considered. DEDICATION To my mother and my aunt, words cannot describe my heartfelt gratitude. Without your countless sacrifices, continued love, support and belief in me, I would not have gotten this far. Thank you for instilling in me the importance of hard work, determination and sacrifice. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my appreciation to my academic supervisors, Dr Jessica Woodhams and Dr Darren Bishopp, who have continuously provided me with encouragement and guidance throughout this process. Your expertise, enthusiasm and patience have been invaluable in inspiring my confidence and motivation during this piece of work. To the academic staff, especially Ms Sue Hanson and Dr Myfanwy Ball, your pearls of wisdom and kind words over the last three years will never be forgotten. To the people of Jamaica who helped this research come to life, thank you. I hope that I have done my best to represent your country as accurately as possible, and I hope that this piece of work will be a vehicle to gaining the much needed attention in the area. Last but not least, to the special people in my life whom I hold close to my heart- Dr Ike Johnson, Dr Jason Ramsingh, my friends and my family- you were there from the beginning to the end. Your prayers, immense support and unwavering kindness have been truly instrumental in completing this amazing journey. TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables.................................................................................................................................... iii List of Figures .................................................................................................................................. iv Chapter 1: Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 6 Chapter 2: Demographic and Attitudinal Factors Associated with Rape Myth Acceptance Among Adults In Non-Western Societies ................................................................................... 15 Abstract ...................................................................................................................................... 16 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 18 Method ....................................................................................................................................... 31 Results ........................................................................................................................................ 43 Discussion .................................................................................................................................. 73 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 83 Chapter 3: Rape Myth Acceptance In Jamaica: An Emprical Investigation ................................... 86 Abstract ...................................................................................................................................... 87 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 89 Method ..................................................................................................................................... 102 Results ...................................................................................................................................... 109 Discussion ................................................................................................................................ 119 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 135 i Chapter 4: The Acceptance of Modern Myths About Sexual Aggression: A Psychometric Critique .............................................................................................. 136 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 137 Background to the AMMSA .................................................................................................... 140 Characteristics of Psychological Tests ..................................................................................... 142 Limitations of the AMMSA ..................................................................................................... 151 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 154 Chapter 5: Discussion And Conclusion ........................................................................................ 155 References ..................................................................................................................................... 165 Appendix A: Electronic Database Search Syntax ......................................................................... 193 Appendix B: Quality Assessment Form ........................................................................................ 195 Appendix C: Data Extraction Form .............................................................................................. 196 Appendix D: Participant Information Page ................................................................................... 198 Appendix E: Participant Debrief Sheet ......................................................................................... 201 Appendix F: Demographic Questionnaire .................................................................................... 203 Appendix G: Acceptance of Modern Myths About Sexual Aggression (AMMSA) .................... 205 Appendix H: Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI) ....................................................................... 209 Appendix I: Hostility Towards Women Scale (HTWS) ............................................................... 212 ii LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Study Eligibility Criteria (PICOS)……………………………………………………..39 Table 2. Quality Assessment Scores for Included Studies Participants…………………............56 Table 3. Characteristics of Study………………………………………………………………...57 Table 4. Data Extraction of Included Studies……………………………………………............59 Table 5. Strengths and Limitations of Included Studies…………………………………............65 Table 6. Descriptive Statistics of the Scales with Means and Standard Deviations……………111 Table 7. Summary of Standard Multiple Regression Analysis for Predictors of RMA (full sample)…………………………………………………………………………...117 Table 8. Summary of Standard Multiple