Gender Differences in Perception of Sexual Harassment among University Students

Abstract

The investigation of gender differences in perception of sexual harassment among students was necessitated by the need to address interpersonal violence as a psychosocial problem. Though it has attracted much attention by universities in developed countries, it is not the case in Nigeria where the level of awareness among students and staff is low while the problem exists. The survey utilized a 12-item sexual harassment scale designed for the research. Data collection involved a sample of 420 respondents (both male and females) who are students in various faculties in the University of Ibadan. Findings revealed a high perception of sexual harassment on all the items, and females were higher than the males on all the sexual harassment items (t=2.57, df=418, p<.05). This confirmed the predicted hypothesis that male and females differ in their perception of what constitute sexual harassment in the university. The need to establish a center to handle sensitization of the university community about the contents and consequences of sexual harassment on one hand, and its prevention and control on the other was recommended.