A Closer look at Rape Myth Beliefs among University Students: Comparisons and correlates based on course type, level of study, victimisation experiences, demographics and personality features

Disproportionate rates of sexual violence occur among university students, with rape culture and misconceptions about consent prevalent. To comprehensively examine rape myth beliefs among different student groups, 417 UK University students enrolled on courses in four distinct disciplinary areas; social sciences (n = 131), applied sciences (n = 101), business and law (n = 96) and arts and humanities (n = 89), completed the Acceptance of Modern Myths about Sexual Aggression (AMMSA) scale. Significant differences in AMMSA scores (small to very large) were observed between students across all disciplinary groupings, with applied science and business and law students scoring highest in rape myth beliefs. Demographic and victimisation differences were also observed; male students, BAME students and students without direct exposure to sexual victimisation, expressed greater rape myth acceptance scores. Regression revealed that gender, ethnicity, students’ stage of study, deficits in affective empathy and having a friend or family member that had experienced sexual violence, were significant correlates of student’s rape myth beliefs. Findings have important implications for university responses to sexual violence, helping identify those students most likely to benefit from targeted educational interventions designed to improve understanding around consent and debunk rape stereotypes – a priority for Higher Education providers.