ISSN 2520-6265 (print)

ISSN 2520-6273 (online)


THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ATTITUDES TOWARD SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT A WORKPLACE



Authors:
I. V. Klymenko, PhD (Candidate of Psychological Sciences),
Associate Professor (docent) of Social Psychology Department,
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
ORCID: 0000-0003-4539-1087
E-mail: iryna_klymenko@knu.ua

O. M. Pohorila, Master of Psychology,
Faculty of Psychology,
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
ORCID: 0000-0002-8891-600X
E-mail: pogorola26@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/upj.2025.1(23).7

Article Information
Issue: 1(23) 2025, pages: 155-168
Language: Ukrainian
Received: 16.03.2025
1st Revision: 21.03.Shape2025
Accepted: 27.03.2025


Abstract

The article addresses the issue of sexual harassment at a workplace, examining attitudes toward this phenomenon among people from various demographic groups. It identifies factors that influence the willingness to resist harassment.

The study analyzes the nature and most common forms of workplace sexual harassment, as well as factors that may affect perception and understanding of this form of discrimination. It summarizes research highlighting the negative individual and organizational consequences of sexual harassment at work.

A methodological framework and the results of a comprehensive study on attitudes toward sexual harassment are presented. The study assessed levels of awareness, emotional responses, and behavioral-motivational reactions related to confronting harassment.

The findings show that women, compared to men, were more knowledgeable about the issue and recognized a broader range of harassment manifestations. They also exhibited higher levels of negative emotions toward the phenomenon and demonstrated a greater willingness to oppose it. The age group of 25–40 years showed the highest level of intolerance and readiness to counter harassment, in sharp contrast to the older (41+) group.

The study revealed that a higher level of awareness about harassment correlated with a stronger negative perception of the phenomenon. Negative emotions, in turn, were linked to a greater readiness to resist harassment. However, personal experience with harassment reduced the willingness to report such incidents and correlated with anxiety and depressive emotional responses.

The key factor influencing the willingness to confront harassment was found to be the level of awareness about the phenomenon.

Key words: sexual harassment, workplace, attitudes, awareness, resistance.

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