Investigating the role of psychopathic personality traits, gender, and ethnicity in Rape Myth Acceptance

Previous research has found widespread endorsement of rape mythology throughout global societies. A wide range of psychosocial variables are thought to underpin belief in rape myths, including psychopathic personality traits. However, among the limited studies that examine the relationship between psychopathy and rape myths contradictory findings frequently emerge. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine the role of four psychopathic personality traits (Affective Responsiveness, Cognitive Responsiveness, Interpersonal Manipulation, and Egocentricity) on Rape Myth Acceptance (RMA) scores, controlling for the effects of gender and ethnicity while making use of subtle, contemporary measurement tools never previously employed. Participants were a cross-sectional community sample (N = 228) recruited online to complete the psychosocial survey. Results revealed that deficits in Affective and Cognitive Responsiveness (empathy traits) were associated with increased rape myth beliefs. Gender and ethnicity were also significant predictors of RMA. Cognitive Responsiveness, though not Affective Responsiveness, continued to be a significant predictor of RMA after controlling for gender and ethnicity. Theoretical and practical implications surrounding the role of empathy traits in the aetiology of sexually aggressive attitudes are discussed.