Effects of Sorority Members’ Pornography Use on Bystander Intervention in a Sexual Assault Situation and Rape Myth Acceptance

Authors

Matthew W. Brosi, Oklahoma State UniversityFollow
John D. Foubert Ph.D., Oklahoma State UniversityFollow
R. Sean Bannon, Oklahoma State UniversityFollow
Gabriel Yandell, Oklahoma State UniversityFollow

Publication Date

September 2011

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25774/60dk-dg51

First Page

26

Last Page

35

Abstract

College women’s exposure to pornography is growing nationwide. A limited amount of research exists documenting the negative effects of pornography on women’s attitudes and behavior related to sexual assault. The present study surveyed sorority members at a Midwestern public university on their pornography use, rape myth acceptance, bystander efficacy, and bystander willingness to help in potential sexual assault situations. Results showed that women who view pornography are significantly less likely to intervene as a bystander and are more likely to believe rape myths. Implications for women’s personal safety and for the advisability of consuming pornography are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Brosi, Matthew W.; Foubert, John D. Ph.D.; Bannon, R. Sean; and Yandell, Gabriel (2011) "Effects of Sorority Members’ Pornography Use on Bystander Intervention in a Sexual Assault Situation and Rape Myth Acceptance," Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice: Vol. 6: Iss. 2, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25774/60dk-dg51
Available at: https://scholarworks.wm.edu/oracle/vol6/iss2/5