Implicit Objectification and Sexual Aggression Myths in Japanese Culture

In recent years, violence against women has surfaced as a major global health issue. In Japan, sexual violence is underresearched and underreported. Thus, the current state of research affairs in Japan hinders global efforts to reduce gender-based violence around the world. To fill a research gap, the goal of this study was to investigate relationships between, and gender differences in, the implicit dehumanization of women (animalization and objectification), disgust sensitivity, explicit sex-role attitudes, and acceptance of sexual aggression myths among Japanese adults. Gender effects on cognitive and attitudinal variables were evaluated using one-way MANOVA, and relationships between variables were evaluated using hierarchical multiple regression analyses. A total of 86 participants (52 males and 34 females) completed a web-based implicit association test and self-report scales. While no significant gender differences were found, the overall regression model supported a positive effect of objectification of women and disgust sensitivity on acceptance of sexual aggression myths.