Surveys with scales of beliefs about abuse and sexual violence: an integrative review

Abstract

Objective: To identify in published scientific articles which scales are used to know the beliefs about sexual abuse and violence in empirical research. Methods: This is an integrative literature review using the PRISMA protocol and adoption of inclusion criteria that value empirical research with a scale to measure beliefs about sexual abuse or violence. The databases used were SciElo, Lilacs, Psycinfo, Scopus and Web of Sciences. The search strategies involved descriptors in Portuguese (scale, questionnaire, instrument, beliefs, sexual abuse and sexual violence) and in English (scale, beliefs, sexual abuse, sexual violence). Results: 128 articles were found, but after applying the eligibility and exclusion criteria, 8 remained, 7 of which were written in Portuguese and 1 in English. Final considerations: The research found from this systematic review showed that the instruments used allowed the measurement of the beliefs in question, evidencing the relevance of those that reinforce the legitimation/tolerance of abuse and sexual violence, regardless of the selected sample. The study of these beliefs proved to be relevant insofar as they can influence the production of knowledge and changes in social relationships on which the success of public policies aimed at coping with sexual abuse depends.