OBJECTIVE: Undergraduate rape disclosure recipients and nonrecipients' sociodemographic and life experience variables, attitudes towards rape and responses to a hypothetical rape disclosure were compared to determine differences between them. Participants: One-hundred-ninety-two undergraduates at three universities participated in this online survey between November 2011 - April 2012.
METHODS: Participants reported on their rape myth acceptance (RMA) and personal direct and indirect (i.e., disclosure receipt) experiences with sexual assault. Participants also responded to a hypothetical rape disclosure.
RESULTS: Disclosure recipients were more likely to report a victimization history, and less confusion and perceived ineffectiveness in helping the hypothetical victim. RMA and nonrecipient status predicted perceived victim responsibility; these variables and childhood victimization predicted confusion about helping. RMA also predicted perceived ineffectiveness of one's helping behaviors. Victimization history and female gender predicted victim empathy.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings can inform sexual assault-related programming for undergraduates through the provision of targeted assistance and corrective information.