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International Journal of Public Health

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01-01-2018 | Original Article

The effects of non-physical peer sexual harassment on high school students’ psychological well-being in Norway: consistent and stable findings across studies

Authors: Mons Bendixen, Josef Daveronis, Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Objectives

The paper examines how strongly non-physical peer sexual harassment is associated with a wide range of well-being outcomes from symptoms of depression and anxiety to self-esteem and body image.

Methods

Two large community samples of high school students were analyzed (n = 1384 and n = 1485). Students responded to questionnaires on being subject to non-physical sexual harassment, sexual coercion and forced intercourse, and to well-being indicators ranging from anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body image.

Results

Regression analyses suggest that being harassed by peers in a non-physical way was moderately associated with lower levels of well-being over and above the effect of other risk factors. This effect was present for all indicators of well-being. The effect of peer harassment on depressive symptoms was moderated by sex (affected women more) but not by sexual or ethnic minority status.

Conclusions

The findings imply that although sticks and stones may break bones, it does seem that derogatory words and other forms of non-physical sexual harassment definitely harm high school students.

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Title: The effects of non-physical peer sexual harassment on high school students’ psychological well-being in Norway: consistent and stable findings across studies
Authors: Mons Bendixen
Josef Daveronis
Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair
Publication date: 01-01-2018
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-017-1049-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The effects of non-physical peer sexual harassment on high school students’ psychological well-being in Norway: consistent and stable findings across studies

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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