Examining the immediate and enduring psychological impact of street harassment on women’s mental health
Examining the immediate and enduring psychological impact of street harassment on women’s mental health
StatusVoR
Alternative title
Authors
Thornton, Georgina
Willmott, Dominic
Richardson, Emma
Hudspith, Lara
Monograph
Monograph (alternative title)
Date
2024-12-02
Publisher
Journal title
Mental Health and Social Inclusion
Issue
5
Volume
28
Pages
Pages
734–744
ISSN
2042-8308
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Abstract PL
Abstract EN
Purpose
Many women report experiences of street harassment during their lifetime. Previous quantitative survey research has shown the variety of ways in which this type of harassment can impact upon a victim’s life, including restricting their freedom of movement and fear of further victimisation. The purpose of this study is understand the immediate and enduring psychological impact of street harassment on female victim-survivors.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study aims to explore, qualitatively, women’s experiences of street harassment through thematic analysis of on 35 online blog posts. Data were collected from the “Stop Street Harassment” website, where women are invited to share their experiences anonymously.
Findings
Three main themes were generated from the data. First was the age at which women began to experience street harassment, with recurring early incidents during formative childhood years. Second was the impact that experiences had on their mental health and psychological well-being with feelings of shame, fear, self-loathing, as well as decreased self-esteem and confidence experienced in the immediate aftermath – though the longer-term negative emotions reported were enduring feelings of anger alongside a constant state of anxiety from feelings of vulnerability to further victimisation. The final theme was the modification of behaviour after experiencing street harassment where women choose to avoid walking alone on the streets or consciously changed their clothing choices, to avoid being harassed.
Originality/value
This study offers a further qualitative insight into the real-life experience and psychological consequences of street harassment upon survivors’ mental health.
Abstract other
Keywords PL
Keywords EN
Street harassment
Sexualisation
Psychological harm
Anxiety
Self-esteem
Anger
Vulnerability
Behavioural modification
Online blogs
Sexualisation
Psychological harm
Anxiety
Self-esteem
Anger
Vulnerability
Behavioural modification
Online blogs
Keywords other
Sustainable Development Goals
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