“It’s Not Violence, It’s an Exaggerated Complaint”: The Role of Cyber-Rape Culture and Objectification Theory in Understanding the Emotional Impact in Women That Have Experienced Cyber-Sexual Violence

J Sex Res. 2025 Dec 5:1-14. doi: 10.1080/00224499.2025.2592624. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Although prior research has shown that experiencing cyber-sexual violence is associated with a greater emotional impact, no study has analyzed whether myths about cyber-sexual violence could affect victims of cyber-sexual violence. Thus, we conducted two studies to analyze the impact of acceptance myths about cyber-sexual violence (AMCYS) on the relationship between cyber-sexual violence victimization and emotional impacts. In Study 1 (N = 310), women with higher levels of AMCYS and greater cyber-sexual violence victimization reported higher levels of anxiety and depression, as well as lower self-esteem. Study 2 (N = 393) replicated these results and also examined the effect of cyber-sexual violence victimization through the lens of objectification theory. Results showed that women with higher AMCYS scores and more cyber-sexual violence victimization reported higher levels of anxiety, depression and body shame, as well as lower self-esteem and body appreciation. Importantly, these relationships occurred through the indirect effect of body surveillance (self-objectification). Both studies indicated that AMCYS play an exacerbating role in the emotional impacts reported by women who have more frequently experienced cyber-sexual violence, while also highlighting the framework of objectification theory in understanding these results. These findings can be used to develop interventions and prevention campaigns against cyber-sexual violence.

PMID:41348449 | DOI:10.1080/00224499.2025.2592624