Sexual Harassment and Related Factors:A Preliminary Investigation

In the absence of adequate psychological literature with respect to sexual harassment in the Indian context, the present study attempted to the inter-relationships between various psychological variables linked to sexual harassment. Participants were 30 working women, who completed relevant questionnaires. Data obtained from the participants was subjected to statistical analyses. Factors correlating with psychological well-being, physical symptoms, and social distance were identified. Age was found to exhibit a significant negative correlation with sexual harassment experiences, such that younger women were more likely to report sexual harassment experiences than their older counterparts. Also, women working in male-dominated environments were more likely to report more physical symptoms. Women who perceived their organizations as emphasizing on physical appearance reported a higher frequency of sexual harassment experiences and were more likely to work in male-dominated environments than those who did not perceive their organizations as emphasizing on physical appearance. The significant research findings emerging from the preliminary investigation have been discussed in the light of existing literature. Implications for organizations and mental health practitioners have been discussed as well.