2516 - BEHIND THE MYTHS: HOW HIERARCHICAL SOCIAL VALUES AND SEXISM CONDONE INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Session: D03S030 - Social Inequality 6
AUTHORS:
Contreras-Merino Ana M (Department of Psychology, University of Cordoba ~ Cordoba ~ Spain) , Aguilera-Martín Ángel (Department of Psychology, University of Cordoba / Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), University of Cordoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital ~ Cordoba ~ Spain) , Farhane Medina Naima Z (Department of Psychology, University of Cordoba / Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), University of Cordoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital ~ Cordoba ~ Spain) , De La Mata-Agudo Carmen (Department of Education, University of Cordoba ~ Cordoba ~ Spain) , Castillo-Mayén Rosario (Department of Psychology, University of Cordoba / Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), University of Cordoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital ~ Cordoba ~ Spain) , Luque Bárbara (Department of Psychology, University of Cordoba / Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), University of Cordoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital ~ Cordoba ~ Spain)
Abstract text:
Introduction: Attitudes and beliefs play a crucial role in sustaining intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW). Hierarchical and non-egalitarian ideologies can legitimize or minimize such violence, underscoring the importance of examining the psychological and value-based foundations of IPVAW myth acceptance. Purpose: This work tested an integrative model combining three theoretical frameworks: Social Dominance Theory, the Theory of Ambivalent Sexism, and Schwartz's Theory of Basic Human Values, to explain individual differences in the endorsement of IPVAW myths. Specifically, it examined the role of social dominance orientation (SDO), hostile sexism, and support for universalism as predictors. Method: Data from over 1,700 valid responses (68% women) were analyzed. Validated instruments were used to assess SDO, ambivalent sexism, universalism values, and IPVAW myth acceptance. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypothesized pathways. Results: Higher SDO and lower societal concern predicted increased hostile sexism, which in turn elevated acceptance of IPVAW myths. Universalism emerged as a mitigating factor, reducing support for these distorted beliefs. Although men reported higher levels of IPVAW myth acceptance than women, the explanatory model showed consistent patterns across both groups. Conclusions: These findings highlight the central role of hierarchical ideologies and sexist attitudes in sustaining distorted beliefs about IPVAW and underscore the importance of universalist and egalitarian values as protective factors. The consistency of psychopolitical mechanisms across men and women points to the influence of gender socialization processes and adherence to group-based dominance or sexist ideologies. The results provide actionable insights for interventions aimed at challenging such beliefs. By connecting psychological theories with practical strategies for promoting equity and reducing violence, this research aligns with applied psychology's societal mission, contributing to sustainable social well-being and the reinforcement of democratic and equitable values.