NCJ Number
142087
Journal
Psychology of Women Quarterly Volume: 16 Dated: (1992) Pages: 179-191
Date Published
1992
Length
13 pages
Annotation
To clarify the role of alcohol in acquaintance rape, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of alcohol consumption by both victim and assailant on judgments of their traits, behaviors, and reactions.
Abstract
The sample included 68 women and 64 men, 21 years of age or older, who read one of four stories in which only the victim, only the assailant, both victim and assailant, or neither victim nor assailant consumed alcohol. An individual difference trait involving rape attitudes was also measured. The interaction of victim and assailant drinking diminished the view that a rape had occurred and that the victim responded negatively, whereas drinking enhanced judgments of the assailant's likability and sexuality. The portrayal of only the victim drinking resulted in a more negative view of the assailant's behavior and traits. Evaluations of the victim depended on the assailant's drinking behavior rather than on her own behavior. In general, acquaintance rape was not judged as severely when both members of a dating couple consumed alcohol as when only the woman drank. Implications of the findings for rape victim treatment and assailant accountability are discussed. 12 references