Anti-rape attitudes as a protective factor against sexual aggression : a strength-based approach to understanding and preventing sexual aggression in young men

Abstract:While much is known about risk factors for sexual aggression, research on protective factors remains limited. This gap constrains both theoretical understanding and the development of strength-based approaches. In three parts, this dissertation aims to advance a more comprehensive understanding of attitudinal factors underlying sexual aggression and to inform prevention efforts by providing evidence for specific protective attitudes. Part I identifies and operationalizes anti-rape attitudes (ARA) through the development and validation of a psychometric scale. Part II integrates ARA as well as empathy and positive consent attitudes into a model of rape proclivity alongside established attitudinal risk factors. Part III then applies the ARA construct in an experimental setting to investigate whether repeated exposure to anti-rape messages can promote endorsement of these attitudes through a subtle, psychologically grounded mechanism.

Publication year:2025

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