RELATIONSHIP OF MARIANISMO AND MACHISMO TO RAPE ATTITUDES OF CHICANA COLLEGE STUDENTS

Latina American college students experience high rates of rape and sexual assault (RSA). However, they are unlikely to report or seek help for any psychological and/or physical RSA injuries. This study investigated whether cultural factors influence views of RSA within a sample of 192 Chicana college students, as Mexican Americans comprise the largest group within the U.S. Latine community. Particularly, this study examined how marianismo and machismo, culturally infused traditional gender roles, impact views of date RSA. Results of this study demonstrated that participants who held greater v. less internalized marianismo beliefs were more likely to attribute blame to the victim of date rape. Also, findings showed that respondents who held higher v. low internalized machismo beliefs were more likely to endorse rape misperceptions and victim blame. No interaction effects were observed for marianismo and machismo in relation to views of RSA. It is hoped that the results of this study underscore the need for more culturally sensitive RSA resources on college campuses for Chicana college students. Furthermore, findings support the need for additional RSA research focused on college females of Mexican heritage