A systematic review and meta-analysis on factors related to child sexual abuse and rape myths

Abstract

The endorsement of myths about sexual violence, victims, and perpetrators may harm victims’ well-being. Thus, understanding the factors associated with their endorsement is crucial. To our knowledge, no systematic review or meta-analysis has specifically focused on both child sexual abuse (CSAM) and rape myths (RM). This study aims to address this gap. Following the PRISMA statement, a systematic search across eight databases yielded 4.019 articles, with full-text extraction of 308 articles and the inclusion of 187 articles in the meta-analyses. For CSAM, 22 articles and 75 effect sizes were analyzed from studies conducted between 1992 and 2024. For RM, 167 articles and 763 effect sizes from studies published between 1980 and 2024 were included. Factors were categorized into four categories: Sociodemographic Factors, Beliefs and Attitudes, Individual Functioning, and Socio-contextual Factors. Results revealed that beliefs and attitudes, especially those rooted in sexual aggression and coercion, acceptance of violence, and gendered dominance, had the largest effect sizes, ranging from r = .299 to r = .441. Being male and having a lower educational level were associated with endorsement of both CSAM and RM, albeit with small effect sizes. Individual factors, such as aggressive behaviors and empathy, were moderately associated with RM (r = .251 and r = –.241, respectively). Socio-contextual factors, particularly peer norms supporting sexual violence, were moderately associated with RM (r = .268). Changing maladaptive beliefs and attitudes while fostering empathy is critical for reducing the endorsement of sexual violence myths.