The influence of media framing and peer opinion on victim blaming

This study examined the independent and combined effects of media framing and peer opinion on victim blaming among 192 young adults from an Indian cultural background. Using a 2x2 between-subjects factorial experimental design, participants were exposed to either a neutral or victim-blaming media narrative, accompanied by peer comments that either supported or opposed the framing. Victim blaming was measured using the Attribution of Blame Scale across four dimensions. 2x2 Factorial ANOVA revealed no significant main effects of media framing or peer opinion, and no significant interaction effect, with all three null hypotheses accepted. These null findings are discussed in the context of cultural specificity, pre-existing attitudes, and the limitations of single-exposure designs, highlighting the need for culturally grounded research on media framing and victim blaming beyond western contexts.