Effects of a Human Sexuality Course on Attitudes Toward Rape and Violence

Abstract

Researchers have indicated that false beliefs about rape, known as rape myths, are widely accepted and provide cultural support for the occurrence of rape. We examined changes in college students' acceptance of rape myths and attitudes concerning interpersonal violence resulting from exposure to a course in human sexuality. Subjects were 97 college students enrolled in a human sexuality course and 48 college students who served in a control condition. All subjects completed the Rape Myth Acceptance Scale and the Interpersonal Violence Scale at the beginning and end of the course. Multivariate analysis of covariance revealed a significant posttest difference between groups in the acceptance of rape myths. Students exposed to the human sexuality course were significantly less accepting of rape myths. No difference between groups emerged on the Interpersonal Violence Scale and no gender differences were found. Results are discussed with respect to statistical versus practical significance, and implications f...