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.