The Effect of Victim Attractiveness and Type of Abuse Suffered on Attributions of Victim Blame and Credibility in Intimate Partner Violence: A Vignette-Based Online Experiment
Abstract
Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are frequently blamed and disbelieved, which may affect their willingness to report their abuse experiences. This vignette-based online experiment examines whether victim attractiveness (attractive vs. unattractive) and the type of abuse suffered (psychological vs. psychological plus physical abuse) may impact attributions of victim blame or victim credibility. The final sample included 167 UK residents (79% females) aged between 18 and 66 years (M = 33.17, SD = 11.26). Results indicated that the attractive victim was judged as being more credible than the unattractive victim. Results are discussed in light of societal attitudes toward IPV.
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Biographies
Maisie Hall, MSc, is a postgraduate student of Psychology at the University of Sheffield. Her research focuses on intimate partner violence (IPV) and factors which influence judgments of IPV victims, IPV scenarios, and outsider willingness to intervene. She has a particular interest in psychological abuse and increasing community awareness around this subject.
Agata Debowska, PhD, is an academic at the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Poland) and the University of Sheffield (United Kingdom). Her research focuses on intimate partner violence (IPV), child abuse and neglect (CAN), psychopathy, and criminal social identity.
George K. Hales, MSc, is a PhD student at University of Sheffield in the Department of Psychology. His current research interests include violence against children, adverse childhood experiences, and resilience. He is interested in exploring resilience in the context of childhood adversities.
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Article first published online: January 9, 2023
Issue published: July 2024
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