آزار و اذیت جنسی در میان نوجوانان جهت گیری های مختلف جنسی و هویت جنسیتی

This article examines (a) variation in rates of sexual harassment across mode (e.g., in-person, online) and type of harassment, (b) the impact of sexual harassment (i.e., distressing vs. non-distressing), and (c) how sexual harassment is similarly and differently experienced across sexual orientation and gender identity groups. Data were collected as part of the Teen Health and Technology online survey of 5,907 13 to 18 year-old Internet users in the United States. Past year sexual harassment was reported by 23–72% of youth, depending upon sexual orientation, with the highest rates reported by lesbian/queer girls (72%), bisexual girls (66%), and gay/queer boys (66%). When examined by gender identity, transgender youth reported the highest rates of sexual harassment – 81%. Overall, the most common modes for sexual harassment were in-person followed by online. Distress in the form of interference with school, family, and/or friends; creating a hostile environment; or being very/extremely upset was reported by about half of the sexually harassed bisexual girls and lesbian/queer girls, 65% of the gender non-conforming/other gender youth, and 63% of the transgender youth. Youth with high social support and self-esteem were less likely to report sexual harassment. Findings point to the great importance of sexual harassment prevention for all adolescents, with particular emphasis on the unique needs and experiences of youth of different sexual orientations and gender identities. Socio-emotional programs that emphasize self-esteem building could be particularly beneficial for reducing the likelihood of victimization and lessen the impact when it occurs.

Sexual harassment is associated with a variety of negative psychosocial and physical health concerns, including emotional distress, self-harming behavior and suicidal ideation, substance use, and physical violence in and outside of dating relationships (Chiodo et al., 2009a and Gruber and Fineran, 2007). This significant adolescent health issue is common in adolescence. One national survey suggested 2.8% of youth (ages 10–13) and 9.3% of youth (ages 14–17) in the United States were sexually harassed in the past year; 15.8% of 14 to 17 year-olds report ever experiencing sexual harassment ( Finkelhor, Turner, Shattuck, & Hamby, 2013). Higher rates were reported as part of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) survey in 2001: 81% of students experienced some form of sexual harassment during their school years ( AAUW, 2001). A longitudinal study of 5th, 7th, and 9th graders in Wisconsin found past year rates of peer sexual harassment victimization increases with age from 38% of 5th grade girls to 78% of 9th grade boys ( Petersen & Hyde, 2009).