Effects of sex role attitudes and similarity on men's rejection of male homosexuals.

Investigated 120 male undergraduates' reactions to homosexuals. Ss preselected on the basis of their profeminist, moderate, or antifeminist scores on the Attitude Toward Feminism Scale were assigned at random to 1 of 4 experimental conditions. Using a standard attraction paradigm design, Ss rated a bogus "partner," who was represented as either homosexual or heterosexual and as having attitudes either similar or dissimilar to theirs. Consistent with prediction, similar partners were liked more than dissimilar partners, and heterosexual partners were liked more than homosexuals. Homosexuals were seen as more dissimilar to the Ss in all conditions. Liberals were more accepting of homosexuals and dissimilar partners than were traditionals. Results are discussed in terms of the relationship between sex role attitudes and tolerance of dissimilarity. (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reactions to rape victims: Effects of rape circumstances, victim's emotional response, and sex of helper.

Case reports purported to have come from the records of a sexual abuse care center were presented to 98 female and 107 male undergraduates who then judged the impact of the rape experience on the victims' psychological adjustment and indicated their likely counseling goals for her. Three types of rape circumstances (home blitz, outside blitz, acquaintance) were varied with 3 types of postrape manifest emotional reactions (upset–anger, upset–guilt, calm) and S sex. Upset victims were seen as having more serious and more long-lasting problems, were more likely to be encouraged to try and forget the incident, and were less likely to be encouraged to accept personal responsibility for the assault than were calm victims. Ss, especially men, evaluated victims' degree of emotional upset as a function of rape circumstances, with blitz-type assaults perceived as most upsetting. Consistent sex differences indicated that women were more sympathetic with and more willing to talk with rape victims than were men. Results are discussed in terms of popular assumptions about rape victims and sex differences in identification with and empathy for female rape victims. Implications for training of professional and paraprofessional counselors are noted. (33 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)