A longitudinal study of interest and membership in a fraternity, rape myth acceptance, and proclivity to perpetrate sexual assault. Issue 6 (18th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seabrook, Rita C.; McMahon, Sarah; O'Connor, Julia
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 66:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 510
• Page End: 518
• Publication Date: 2018-08-18
• Subjects: Fraternity membership -- proclivity to perpetrate -- rape myths -- sexual assault; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1440584
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective: This study explored the relation between interest and membership in a fraternity and acceptance of sexual violence (eg, rape myth acceptance, proclivity to perpetrate sexual aggression) among first year college men.Participants: A total of 315 men were surveyed before their first year of college (June–August 2010) and again at 4 time points over the next year.Methods: Participants responded to measures of rape myth acceptance and proclivity to perpetrate sexual aggression.Results: Interested members scored higher on proclivity to perpetrate sexual aggression and some rape myths than noninterested nonmembers; interested nonmembers scored in between the 2 groups.Conclusions: Results highlight the importance of considering both fraternity membership and interest in joining a fraternity, as well as examining individual rape myths, in studies of fraternity membership and sexual violence.