The Relationship Between Rape Myth on Sexual Attitude and Empathy among College Students

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between rape myth acceptance, sexual attitudes, and rape victim empathy among college students in Ponnani Taluk of Malappuram District, Kerala, and to explore gender differences across these variables. A cross-sectional design was adopted, and data were collected from 300 college students using standardized measures of rape myth acceptance, sexual attitudes, and rape victim empathy. Spearman’s rank correlation revealed a significant positive relationship between rape myth acceptance and sexual attitudes, and a significant negative relationship between rape myth acceptance and rape victim empathy. However, no significant association was found between sexual attitudes and rape victim empathy. Mann–Whitney U tests indicated significant gender differences, with female students reporting higher rape myth acceptance, greater rape victim empathy, and more permissive sexual attitudes than male students. These findings contradict much of the existing literature that typically reports higher rape myth acceptance among males, highlighting the influence of sociocultural, religious, and contextual factors in shaping attitudes toward sexual violence. The results underscore the complex and non-linear relationship between empathy, sexual attitudes, and rape myth acceptance, suggesting that higher empathy does not necessarily translate into lower endorsement of rape myths. The study emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive awareness programs and comprehensive sex education to address subtle rape myths and promote healthy attitudes toward consent and sexual violence.