Rape myth acceptance, pretrial publicity, and decision-making: An examination of perceptions of victim credibility and perpetrator guilt in a real-world sexual assault case

Author

Lindsey Strouse, CUNY John Jay CollegeFollow

Date of Award

Fall 10-10-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department/Program

Forensic Psychology

Language

English

First Advisor or Mentor

Charles B. Stone

Second Reader

Kelly McWilliams

Third Advisor

Daniel Rosengart

Abstract

This study explores how the media narratives and political perspective of pretrial publicity (PTP) can influence jurors’ perceptions in sexual assault cases, raising significant concerns about justice in courtrooms. Specifically, it examines whether media framing of a real-life sexual assault case — through varying media narratives, with media that either challenges or endorses rape myths, and media source (liberal vs. conservative) — affects mock jurors’ rape myth acceptance (RMA), views of victim credibility, and judgements of perpetrator guilt. Participants first completed a RMA scale, then read mock news articles varying in media narrative and political affiliations (media source), followed by a video testimony from the victim. They then assessed victim credibility, defendant guilt, and completed demographic and political surveys.

Findings revealed a strong link between perceived victim credibility and the likelihood of judging the perpetrator as guilty, indicating that how credible a victim appears may significantly sway case outcomes. Rape myth acceptance revealed to be positively associated with victim credibility and perpetrator guilt, indicating that individuals who reject rape myths were more likely to perceive the victim as credible and perpetrator as guilty. Notably, political affiliation played a role, with liberal participants more likely to find the victim credible compared to conservatives. These results highlight the powerful influence of media framing and juror bias on legal decisions, raising ethical concerns about the fairness of trials in cases that receive greater amounts of publicity. Media narratives can shape perceptions before evidence is presented in court, potentially undermining the impartiality that the justice system demands.

Recommended Citation

Strouse, Lindsey, "Rape myth acceptance, pretrial publicity, and decision-making: An examination of perceptions of victim credibility and perpetrator guilt in a real-world sexual assault case" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/375