Self-esteem in the context of street-based sexual harassment: a cross-sectional study among young Chilean women

• Percy Leonardo Álvarez-Cabrera

  Universidad Santo Tomás, Arica-Chile

  Author

• Javiera Fernanda Patricia Miranda Abarzúa

  Universidad Santo Tomás, Arica-Chile

  Author

• Katerin Monserrat Fernández Badilla

  Universidad Santo Tomás, Arica-Chile

  Author

• Valeria Emperatriz Paco Cáceres

  Universidad Santo Tomás, Arica-Chile

  Author

• María Arqueros

  Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona-España

  Author

Street Sexual Harassment (SSH) is a form of gender-based violence that primarily affects women in public spaces, leading to various psychological and social consequences. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between Street Sexual Harassment and self-esteem among women aged 18 to 35 residing in the city of Arica, Chile. Method: A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted. The sample consisted of 218 women selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data collection involved the use of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Street Sexual Harassment Scale (EASC), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results A high frequency of SSH experiences was observed in the study sample, with relatively higher scores in expressive harassment and stalking. Additionally, the participants predominantly exhibited medium to high levels of self-esteem. No significant differences in SSH experiences were identified across age groups, nor was there a statistically significant relationship found between Street Sexual Harassment and self-esteem. Discussion: The findings indicate that,
although Street Sexual Harassment is a frequent experience in the lives of the participating women, no evidence was found to establish a significant relationship with self-esteem. These results suggest a need for further research into other individual
and contextual factors that might mediate or moderate the psychological impact of SSH.

1. Percy Leonardo Álvarez-Cabrera, Universidad Santo Tomás, Arica-Chile

   Psicólogo, licenciado en psicología (UTA Arica-Chile), Magíster en ciencias sociales aplicadas (UTA Arica-Chile) y doctor en psicología (UCM Madrid-Chile), Jefe de Carrera de Psicología, Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de ciencias sociales y Educación, Universidad Santo Tomás, Arica-Chile. ORCID 0000-0002-6000-0366

2. Javiera Fernanda Patricia Miranda Abarzúa, Universidad Santo Tomás, Arica-Chile

   Psicóloga, licenciada en psicología (UST Arica-Chile). ORCID 0009-0007-7259-226X

3. Katerin Monserrat Fernández Badilla, Universidad Santo Tomás, Arica-Chile

   Psicóloga, licenciada en psicología (UST Arica-Chile). ORCID 0009-0004-8091-5485

4. Valeria Emperatriz Paco Cáceres, Universidad Santo Tomás, Arica-Chile

   Psicóloga, licenciada en psicología (UST Arica-Chile). ORCID 0009-0007-7317-1774

5. María Arqueros, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona-España

   Psicóloga, licenciada en psicología (UST Arica-Chile). Máster (MSc) en Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (Universidad Pública de Navarra, España). Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Departamento de Psiquiatría y Medicina Legal, Barcelona – España. ORCID 0000-0001-5649-3404

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