Perceptions of, and assistance provided to, a hypothetical rape victim: differences between rape disclosure recipients and nonrecipients.
OBJECTIVE
Undergraduate rape disclosure recipients' and nonrecipients' sociodemographic and life experience variables, attitudes towards rape, and responses to a hypothetical rape disclosure were compared to determine differences between them.


METHODS
One hundred ninety-two undergraduates at 3 universities participated in this online survey between November 2011 and April 2012.


METHODS
Participants reported on their rape myth acceptance (RMA) and personal direct and indirect (ie, disclosure receipt) experiences with sexual assault. Participants also responded to a hypothetical rape disclosure.


RESULTS
Disclosure recipients were more likely to report a victimization history, and less confusion and perceived ineffectiveness in helping the hypothetical victim. RMA and nonrecipient status predicted perceived victim responsibility; these variables and childhood victimization predicted confusion about helping. RMA also predicted perceived ineffectiveness of one's helping behaviors. Victimization history and female gender predicted victim empathy.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings can inform sexual assault-related programming for undergraduates through the provision of targeted assistance and corrective information.
a Department of Psychology , Northern Illinois University DeKalb , Illinois.
Lisa A
LA
Paul
Andre
A
Kehn
Matt J
MJ
Gray
Joanna
J
Salapska-Gelleri
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D030881:Disclosure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D011902:Rape / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D012919:Social Behavior; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities
college; disclosure; rape; sexual assault; social support