ANALYSIS OF STREET HARASSMENT, SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG YOUNG FEMALE ADULTS

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between street harassment, social support, and psychological distress in young adult females. A cross-sectional design was employed with a purposive sample of 300 female participants aged 18–25. Data were collected using the Index of Street Harassment Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Descriptive statistics were used for demographic variables, and Pearson Product- Moment Correlation was applied to test the hypotheses. Results indicated that behavioral harassment significantly negatively correlated with social support from friends, family, and significant others, while showing a significant positive correlation with verbal harassment and eve-teasing (p < 0.01). Street harassment exhibited a significant positive correlation with psychological distress (p < 0.01). Verbal harassment was positively correlated with eve-teasing (p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with social support from family and friends (p < 0.05) and psychological distress (p < 0.01). Eve-teasing demonstrated an insignificant relationship with social support from family and significant others (p > 0.01). Social support from significant others, family, and friends was significantly associated with one another and with psychological distress. These findings highlight the detrimental impact of street harassment on mental health and social support systems. The study offers insights for victims and their support networks to better understand and  manage the behavioral and psychological effects of harassment, paving the way for improved intervention strategies and support systems to mitigate its impact.