From Myths to Misdeeds: Understanding the Cycle of Myth Acceptance, Proclivity and Perpetration in Image-Based Sexual Abuse

Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA) is a growing form of technology-facilitated sexual violence involving the non-consensual creation, distribution, or threat of distribution of intimate images. Despite increasing legal and social attention, limited psychological research has investigated the attitudinal and behavioural predictors of IBSA perpetration and myth acceptance. This thesis aims to fill that gap by exploring the prevalence, predictors, and interrelations of IBSA myth acceptance (IBSAMA) and proclivity or engagement in IBSA perpetration. Across five studies, a combination of systematic review, scale development, and four empirical analyses is employed to understand IBSA as a behaviour on the continuum of sexual abuse. An initial systematic literature review identifies the prevalence and predictors of IBSAMA and IBSA perpetration. The first empirical study demonstrates that attitudes underpinning IBSAMA align with traditional rape myth acceptance, indicating a shared cognitive framework. Study 2 confirms that IBSAMA significantly predicts proclivity to perpetrate "revenge pornography" behaviours. Study 3 introduces and validates the Image-Based Sexual Abuse Proclivity Scale (IBSAPS), offering a robust psychometric tool to assess proclivity across various IBSA behaviours. It explores predictors of IBSAMA and IBSA proclivity, identifying dark personality traits, sexual attitudes, and victimisation history as significant factors. It also examines gender differences and the potential mediating role of IBSAMA in IBSA proclivity. Finally, Study 4 investigates predictors of actual IBSA perpetration, revealing unique psychological profiles based on perpetration method and gender. The findings contribute to theoretical understandings of IBSA as a form of sexual violence and inform the development of targeted interventions and legal reform efforts. By identifying psychological predictors of IBSA-related beliefs and behaviours, this thesis provides actionable insights for prevention, policy, and support services.