Overview
This project examines sexual harassment from multiple angles, integrating diverse research methods to explore its sociopsychological roots and broad impacts on individuals and society. By combining quantitative surveys and qualitative analyses, it investigates not only the frequency and psychological consequences of harassment but also the social dynamics that influence responses to such behaviors.
In one line of research, we examined the prevalence and psychological impact of street harassment in everyday life. In a large-scale survey of university students and staff, we documented the frequency of street harassment and its negative psychological consequences, including anxiety, distress, and behavioral changes such as avoidance of certain places or times. Qualitative analyses further deepened our understanding by including both victims' and bystanders' perspectives. Key themes that emerged include self-dehumanization and victim-blaming experienced by victims, as well as fear and uncertainty about how to intervene among bystanders. These insights shed light on the complex ways harassment affects feelings of safety and autonomy in public spaces.
In a second line of research, I focused on the role of economic inequality in shaping women's psychological vulnerability to gender-based violence. Using correlational and experimental methods, I showed that in contexts of higher perceived economic inequality, heterosexual women report greater status anxiety and higher self-sexualization (e.g., wearing sexy and revealing clothing). Crucially, these factors emerged as associated with a greater acceptance of violent male behaviors, both at the explicit level and when measured implicitly. These findings suggest that inequalities do not merely affect economic conditions but also shape attitudes and behaviors that can indirectly reinforce tolerance toward gender-based violence.
In one line of research, we examined the prevalence and psychological impact of street harassment in everyday life. In a large-scale survey of university students and staff, we documented the frequency of street harassment and its negative psychological consequences, including anxiety, distress, and behavioral changes such as avoidance of certain places or times. Qualitative analyses further deepened our understanding by including both victims' and bystanders' perspectives. Key themes that emerged include self-dehumanization and victim-blaming experienced by victims, as well as fear and uncertainty about how to intervene among bystanders. These insights shed light on the complex ways harassment affects feelings of safety and autonomy in public spaces.
In a second line of research, I focused on the role of economic inequality in shaping women's psychological vulnerability to gender-based violence. Using correlational and experimental methods, I showed that in contexts of higher perceived economic inequality, heterosexual women report greater status anxiety and higher self-sexualization (e.g., wearing sexy and revealing clothing). Crucially, these factors emerged as associated with a greater acceptance of violent male behaviors, both at the explicit level and when measured implicitly. These findings suggest that inequalities do not merely affect economic conditions but also shape attitudes and behaviors that can indirectly reinforce tolerance toward gender-based violence.
Awards
The qualitative findings from the first line of this project were showcased as a poster at the 2024 Annual Conference of the European Network on Gender and Violence in Vilnius (Lithuania), where the work was recognized with the "Best Poster" award.
Funding
For the second line of research, I received funding from the European Association of Social Psychology. A report presenting these results is publicly available here.