The Relationship between Hypermasculinity Rape Myth and Rape Proclivity amongst Undergraduate Males in Enugu State University of Technology

Abstract

The study examined the relationship between hypermasculinity, rape myth acceptance and rape proclivity among undergraduate males in Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani. A convenience sample of 150 males participated in the study. The participant’s age ranges from 18 to 25, with a mean age of 21.19 years and a standard deviation of 2.02. A cross sectional survey design was used. Three instruments were used to collect data; the Updated Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale, Short Hypermasculine Values Questionnaire, and the likelihood to Rape Scale. The result of the study showed that hypermasculinity is significantly predictive of rape proclivity among ESUT undergraduate males, accounting for 6% variance in predicting rape proclivity. The second finding showed that rape myth acceptance has a positive significant predictive relationship with rape proclivity among ESUT undergraduate males accounting for a 44% significant variance in predicting rape proclivity. A practical implication of the study is the need for universities to educate students on the consequences of sexual violence and reduce the likelihood of occurrence and prevalence by providing resources to unlearn the values found to be associated with rape proclivity. Suggestions for further studies were made.