Title: Date and acquaintance rape. Development and validation of a set of scales.

POPLINE Document Number: 142095

Author(s):

Walsh JF
DeVellis BM
DeVellis RF

Source citation:

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, 1997 Feb;3(1):46-58.

Abstract:

Increasing recognition of the prevalence of date/acquaintance rape (DAR) in the US, especially among college women, has led to an understanding that the techniques needed to fend off attacks from friends and acquaintances differ from those used to prevent rape by strangers. This study developed and tested the reliability and validity of the following DAR constructs: perceived vulnerability (underestimation of vulnerability discourages adequate self-protection), self-efficacy, relational priority (neglecting self-interest to save a relationship), rape myth acceptance (subscribing to myths about rape allows women to avoid facing their own vulnerability), and commitment to self-defense. These constructs were also correlated with scales measuring masculinity, self-esteem, and degree of belief in a "just world." Data were gathered to test these constructs via a questionnaire administered to 800 female undergraduate dormitory residents (47% response rate). Analysis of the data allowed refinement of 50 items into 25 items that constitute reliable scales of perceived vulnerability, self-efficacy, and self-determination and a marginally reliable scale of victim-blaming (rape myth). Support was found for 5/6 predicted correlates between DAR scales and 3/5 hypothesized correlations between DAR scales and convergent/discrimination validity scales. Research into this rape prevention tool will continue.

Keywords:

United States
Methodological Studies
Students
Women
Universities
Rape
Research Methodology
Attitude
Perception
Measurement
Developed Countries
North America
Americas
Education
Demographic Factors
Population
Schools
Crime
Social Problems
Psychological Factors
Behavior