Alcohol-involved Rape Disclosure among Asian American College Women

Abstract

Using a multi-study mixed-methods approach, this dissertation investigates disclosure of alcohol-involved rape for Asian American college women. Qualitative interviews first examined the cultural context of alcohol-involved rape disclosure from the experiences and voices of socially drinking Asian American college women. Next, an anonymous survey was administered comparing alcohol-involved rape history and disclosure behavior of Asian American and White American college women. Lastly, an experimental study assessed the differences among a sample of Asian American and White American college women in likelihood to report a detailed hypothetical acquaintance rape scenario when alcohol use is involved; cultural predictors of reporting behavior were also examined. This research aimed to inform current inconclusive prevalence rates of alcohol-involved rape for a potentially highly vulnerable population, given the rising rates of alcohol use and the steady high college enrollment of Asian American women. Encouraging rape disclosure is essential to enhance support, treatment, and recovery for victimized women of all ethnic groups.