Abstract
In this chapter, the aim is to discuss what sexual harassment is, theoretical models based on sexual harassment, social and individual effects of sexual harassment, and the place of sexual harassment in the media. This chapter consists of three main sections. Firstly, sexual harassment is defined, and the theoretical models related to sexual harassment, gender differences in sexual harassment, and world statistics on sexual harassment are introduced. In the second part, the effects of sexual harassment on the society and the individual are examined from the perspective of psychology. In addition, the psychological consequences of sexual harassment at the individual level are examined from the perspective of clinical psychology. The last section covers the impact and visibility of sexual harassment on the media and the social media visibility examples of sexual harassment.
TopIntroduction
Sexual harassment is a phenomenon that has been studied by many researchers and different disciplines until today. Although it is considered as a joint work of psychology and legal disciplines, it is now taking its place in the media quite often. Fitzgerald, Swan, and Magley (1997), drawing attention to the distinction made in terms of the definition of sexual harassment, stated that there is a need for different definitions in terms of psychological and legal aspects. In order to the definition to be more explanatory, theoretical models have been created. In this sense, four models examining the issue of sexual harassment will be introduced in this chapter. These are Single Factor Theory, Natural/Biological Theory, Social-cognitive Theory of Sexual Harassment, Multi-factor Theory of Sexual Harassment.
According to the World Population Report (2021), it is stated that the probability of women being sexually harassed by men is 35% during their lifetime. Although 141 countries have laws on sexual harassment, it is understood that this number is still low and although there are laws, they are not sufficient in terms of implementation (UN Women, 2021). Although researches show that women frequently come face to face with sexual harassment, it is stated that the frequency of sexual harassment by young men and LGBTIQ+ groups is increasing (Promundo & UN Women, 2017). Some social theorists regard sexual harassment as a reflection of the patriarchal system (Pryor, 1987; Vaux, 1993). Therefore, sexual harassment is frequently seen in societies where the perception that social beliefs legitimize male dominance is prominent. In such societies, women may appear to play a passive role, avoiding confusion, attractive, taking responsibility for distrusting their own judgment (Sokoloff, 1980). According to Welsh, Carr, MacQuarrie and Huntley (2006), citizenship status can also be a visible and complex component of women's definitions of sexual harassment. In societies that value women's rights, the existence of more sensitive and educated individuals against sexual harassment and the existence of legally strong systems also bring about social change.
Beside that the other impact of sexual harassment, its individual effects are also very destructive and threaten the physical and psychological health of the harassed individual. PTSD (Larsen and Fitzgerald, 2011), eating disorders (Harned & Fitzgerald, 2002), concentration problems, and depression (Chan, Lam, Chow & Cheung, 2008) would often be experienced by individual after being harassed. Amongst the long-term effects, people who have experienced this condition may experience a decrease in their self-esteem (Harned & Fitzgerald, 2002), decrease in work efficiency and even job losses (Welsh & Gruber, 1999). It is understood that reporting and not reporting the event can cause significant differences in the life of abused individual. The literature indicates that the consequences of reporting and non-reporting of sexual harassment are complex (Bell, Street, & Stafford, 2014). It shows that reporting can have both positive and negative consequences in terms of social/work life and psychological health (Campbell, 2008). It is also stated that this consequences depending on how the laws work in the region where they live.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Sexual Harassment: Sexual approach, sexual demands and/or other verbal/physical behaviors with sexual content against the will of the individual.
Self-Esteem: It is the individual's subjective values of one’s own values. It can include beliefs about one's self and emotional states such as victory, pride, and shame.
Self-Isolation: It is defined as a reluctance to communicate with other individuals and generally a desire to stay indoors.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): It is a psychiatric disorder that can be seen in individuals who have faced or experienced natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist attack, war, harassment or threat of death, rape, or injury.
Perceived Social Support: It is defined as the perception of financial, moral and psychological support from friends, family members or others as appropriate when needed. AU94: Reference appears to be out of alphabetical order. Please check
Media: It is the general name given to communication channels that allow access to areas such as news, music, education, and information. It enables to receive information from the society and to give information to the society.