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Abstract

Sexual differences in rape stereotypes, the subjective impressions of rape generated by information and misinformation about the act, were investigated. College subjects were asked to provide impressions by means of ratings for seven characteristics: (1) age; (2) educational level of the rapist; (3) prior relationship between rapist and victim; (4) premeditation, (5) physical force; (6) psychological threat represented in the act; and (7) the aggressive or sexual motive underlying the rape. Males' spontaneous rape stereotypes appeared to place greater importance on an aggressive rather than a sexual motive; females did not differentiate based on motive. The characteristics of rape varied widely for both sexes depending on assumed motive. The stereotype of a sexually motivated rape was well organized for the female, but no organization was found when an aggressive motive was assumed. Males demonstrated some organization in either case. Implications of the stereotype findings for credibility of the woman's report of rape were discussed.

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Presumed Motive in the Male and Female Perception of Rape

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