Sexual Harassment, Rape Myths and Paraphilias in the General Population: A Mediation Analysis Study

Purpose: Sexual harassment is a worldwide and prevalent problem that can have severe consequences. The #MeToo movement has highlighted that sexual harassment is not an isolated event and is linked to misogynistic cognitions and other forms of sexual violence. However, there is a lack of research regarding the relationship between sexual harassment and its nomological network, particularly in the general population.
Design: The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between perception of harassment and Rape Myths, with paraphilia (fantasy & behaviour) as mediators. Additionally, the prevalence of paraphilia in the general population was explored and gender difference was analysed. Frequencies, Pearson's r correlations, independent sample t-tests and mediation analyses were conducted on a sample of N = 254 participants from the general population.
Findings: Analyses revealed that half of the sample have engaged in at least one paraphilia behaviour. Furthermore, correlations between a more lenient perception of harassment, rape myth acceptance and paraphilia were found, as well as significant gender differences. Finally, mediation models revealed a strong relationship between rape myth acceptance and a more lenient perception of harassment, with paraphilia mediating this relationship.
Originality: Current research is mostly conducted on male samples in these areas; thus, this study aimed to collect data from a diverse sample that may provide a better overview of sexual harassment, and its nomological network.
Implications: This study has several implications, highlighting the role of misogynistic cognitions in predicting a lenient perception of sexual harassment, and thus, proposing a key focus for prevention and intervention models.