Relationship between sexual harassment, self-esteem and performance among university students

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sexual harassment, self-esteem, and academic performance among university students. Data was collected through a survey administered to 356 participants. Descriptive analysis was conducted to examine the demographic characteristics of the participants, while bivariate analysis explored the associations between variables. The results revealed that 211 (59.3%) students reported experiencing sexual harassment at some point during their university tenure. Among these, 195 (92.4%) students stated that sexual harassment had a significant effect on their self-esteem. Moreover, 183 (86.7%) students who experienced sexual harassment reported a notable impact on their academic performance. In terms of demographic characteristics, the majority of students were between 20-25 years old (69.1%), female (55.9%), and in their third year of study (54.2%). The most common type of sexual harassment reported was verbal (19.4%), and perpetrators were often fellow students (30.3%). The study findings highlight the importance of addressing sexual harassment in university settings. It significantly affects students' self-esteem and academic performance, potentially hindering their overall well-being and educational attainment. Effective interventions and support mechanisms should be implemented to create a safe and conducive learning environment for all students. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term consequences and coping mechanisms related to sexual harassment experiences among university students.