Rape myth acceptance and psychopathy as interacting predictors of rape proclivity

Abstract

ABSTRACT Rape myth acceptance and psychopathy are well-documented predictors of rape proclivity. The present research (N = 185; convenience sample of German men) focused on the interplay of both risk factors in the prediction of rape proclivity. It was tested whether men with simultaneously high values on rape myth acceptance and psychopathy (1) show an added risk of behaving sexually aggressive (main effects only hypothesis), (2) show a similar level of risk compared to men who are only high on one trait (negative interaction hypothesis: one is sufficient), or (3) show a level of risk that surpasses the level of rape proclivity that a simple addition of main effects would predict (positive interaction hypothesis). The results support a positive interaction account. In particular, the combination of being high on both risk factors was predictive of sexual violence. Implications of the current research and future directions are discussed. Practice impact statement The present research indicates that psychopathy amplifies the proclivity to sexually offend that comes with a domain-specific risk factor such as rape myth acceptance. A refined understanding of which risk factors matter and how they work together is practically relevant in particular for preventive purposes (i.e. to identify high-risk males; to tailor intervention programs to a combination of risk factors).