Studied 45 consecutive, disposed, false rape allegations covering a 9-yr period. These false allegations appeared to serve 3 major functions for the complainants: providing an alibi, seeking revenge, and obtaining sympathy and attention. False rape allegations were not the consequence of a gender-linked aberration, as frequently claimed, but reflected impulsive and desperate efforts to cope with personal and social stress situations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)