Analysis of the cognitive function of myths about gender violence: the case of Rocío Carrasco / Análisis de la función cognitiva de los mitos sobre la violencia de género: el caso de Rocío Carrasco

Abstract

This study analyses the cognitive function of myths about partner violence against women in the social perception of a case that caused a media frenzy in Spain: the documentary story ‘Rocío Carrasco. Contar la verdad para seguir viva’ (‘Rocío Carrasco: Telling the Truth to Stay Alive’). We studied the relationship between these myths and the credibility and blame attributed to Rocío Carrasco. We also tested different explanatory mechanisms of these associations: the warmth/competence qualities of the victim and the different motivations attributed to her in the documentary (monetary, the quest for justice, revenge and emotional recovery). The results showed that the participants ( N = 295) who adhered more to the myths attributed less credibility and more blame to Rocío Carrasco. Moreover, we found that her perceived warmth (but not her competence) and the attribution of different motivations mediated these relationships. Using a current media case, these findings enable us to learn more about both the cognitive function of myths about the perception of gender violence and possible explanatory mechanisms.