Rape myths are cultural beliefs that invalidate, blame, and stigmatize rape survivors, thereby perpetuating sexual violence. Few studies have explored associations between rape myth acceptance (RMA) and mental health outcomes, but evidence suggests that RMA can buffer the mental health impact of some forms of sexual assault. The current study examined the buffering effect of RMA on depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms using self-report data from an online survey of 500 female college students. Findings provided support for the buffering effect of RMA on the association between any sexual assault and PTSD symptoms. Experiencing any sexual assault was significantly associated with greater PTSD symptoms among participants with low RMA, whereas this association was only marginally significant among those with high RMA. Findings demonstrate that there are some contexts in which high RMA might lessen the mental health impact of sexual assault. Thus, it is possible that as progress is made to dismantle rape myths in society, mental health symptoms amongst some survivors may exacerbate, thereby increasing the demand for mental health services.

强奸神话是使强奸幸存者无效、责备和污名化的文化信仰，从而使性暴力永久化。很少有研究探讨强奸神话接受度 (RMA) 与心理健康结果之间的关联，但有证据表明 RMA 可以缓解某些形式的性侵犯对心理健康的影响。当前的研究使用来自 500 名女大学生的在线调查的自我报告数据检查了 RMA 对抑郁症和创伤后应激障碍 (PTSD) 症状的缓冲作用。调查结果支持 RMA 对任何性侵犯和 PTSD 症状之间关联的缓冲作用。在低 RMA 的参与者中，经历过任何性侵犯都与更严重的 PTSD 症状显着相关，而这种关联在高 RMA 的参与者中仅具有轻微的显着性。调查结果表明，在某些情况下，高 RMA 可能会减轻性侵犯对心理健康的影响。因此，随着社会中强奸神话的消除取得进展，一些幸存者的心理健康症状可能会恶化，从而增加对心理健康服务的需求。