Attitudes toward rape victims - Effects of gender and professional status

This study examined the relationship of gender and professional status on a ttitudes toward rape victims. The Attitudes Toward Rape Victims Scale was c ompleted by 74 upper-class undergraduates (20 males, 54 females), 78 beginn ing graduate students in counseling (18 males, 60 females), and 45 mental h ealth professionals (22 males, 23 females). The 2 x 3 analysis of variance revealed both gender and professional status differences and a significant interaction. Male undergraduates had the most negative attitudes toward rap e victims, and female professionals had the most favorable attitudes. All m en still hold more negative attitudes toward rape victims than do their fem ale counterparts, regardless of professional status.