JUSTIFICATIONS OF RAPE. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN RAPISTS AND STUDENTS. GENDER DIFFERENCES

Abstract

The rationalization used by rapists to justify their criminal behavior are a risk factor for relapse. The modification of cognitive distortions is a therapeutic purpose for rehabilitation (Someda, 2009). Using Rape Scale (Bumby, 1996) we evaluated the participants’ (N=480, 57 convicted rapists, 223 students non-rapists) level of cognitive distortions related to rape. Using ANOVA we identified differences between convicted rapists, psychology or law students and polytechnic students (F(3,461) = 60,69, .000, η2p =0.283). In line with previous research (Bell, Kuriloff & Lottes, 1994), men are more lenient with rapists, accept more justifications about rape and blame the victim more. We identified differences between male and female participants and between male students and convicted rapists (F(2,477) = 98,88, .000, η2p =.293).This research brings new evidence for the importance of cognitive restructuring for implicit cognitive distortions. We discuss possible limitations and directions for future research.