A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Partisan divides in belief: Perpetrator gender and male rape myth endorsement among U.S. university students
Authors: Hansen Michael A.; Navarro John C.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Journal of American College Health
ISSN: 0744-8481
eISSN: 1940-3208
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2026.2663297
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: No Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : No Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2026.2663297
Objective: This study examines endorsement of male rape myths among U.S. undergraduates, varying perpetrator gender, and assessing differences by respondent gender, race, and partisanship.
Participants: Roughly 945 U.S. undergraduates.
Materials and methods: Using survey data, we assess attitudes toward victim blame, the need for counseling, and the perceived impossibility of male sexual victimization.
Results: Respondents generally reject male rape myths, but endorsement increases when the perpetrator is a woman, especially those implying the victim could have prevented the assault or does not require counseling. Women are more likely than men to reject myths, with gender gaps widening when the perpetrator is a woman. Racial differences are modest but consistent, with Black respondents showing somewhat higher myth acceptance, particularly those related to blame and legitimacy of male sexual victimization. Republicans were significantly more likely than Democrats to endorse male rape myths across perpetrator scenarios.
Discussion: Results suggest that gendered, racialized, and partisan worldviews shape male rape myths.
Funding information in the publication:
This work was supported by funding from the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at Sam Houston State University.