Masculine Contingency and Rape Myth Acceptance in Heterosexual Men: Hope as a Moderator?

Men who derive self-esteem from their masculinity (masculine contingency) endorse higher Rape Myth Acceptance (RMA). However, positive-psychological traits may buffer this process. The current study examines how hope attenuates the relationships between masculine contingency (boost and threat) and RMA among heterosexual men in the U.S. (N = 424). Bivariate correlations revealed that masculine boost relates to higher hope, and hope relates to lower RMA. Additionally, moderation analysis determined that hope weakened the relationship between masculine contingency and RMA. Men with higher hope may be less likely to use RMA to confirm or restore their masculinity. The current study fills a gap in the literature by identifying individual differences in how men's masculine contingency informs their attitudes around sexual assault through their hope levels. Using hope theory to reduce defensiveness around rape myths may allow men to engage in more vital discussions around sexual assault. Public Significance Statement The results of this study indicate that as men report more hope they are less likely to endorse rape myths. Further, hope may weaken the relationship between masculine contingency and rape myth acceptance.