Supervisors info:
Μαρία Μαλικιώση – Λοΐζου (Ομότιμη Καθηγήτρια Συμβουλευτικής Ψυχολογίας, ΤΕΑΠΗ, ΕΚΠΑ)
Αγάπη Κανδυλάκη (Καθηγήτρια Κοινωνικής Εργασίας και Πολυπολιτισμικότητας, Τμήμα Κοινωνικής Εργασίας ΔΠΘ και Διευθύντρια στο Δ.Π.Μ.Σ. "Συμβουλευτική", ΕΚΠΑ-ΔΠΘ-Πανεπιστήμιο Κρήτης)
Λήδα Αναγνωστάκη (Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια, ΤΕΑΠΗ, ΕΚΠΑ)
Summary:
The aim of the present study is to explore the perspectives of male university students (aged 18–30) on sexual harassment, document their experiences, and investigate the influence of the #MeToo movement on their perceptions of this issue. Initially, the relevant literature is reviewed, focusing on sexual harassment, the factors shaping men's perceptions of it, the #MeToo movement, men’s roles as victims, perpetrators, or bystanders in such incidents, and strategies for addressing sexual harassment. Subsequently, a detailed account is provided of the study's methodology, including the participants and their demographic characteristics, the tools utilized, and the data collection process. The findings, analyzed using thematic analysis, highlight seven key themes. The analysis revealed that participants shaped their perceptions of sexual harassment primarily through interactions with female figures and personal experiences of such incidents. Additionally, participants noted the positive influence of the #MeToo movement on their perceptions of sexual harassment. Those who had been victimized shared their experiences, including their responses, emotions, impacts, and coping strategies. Similarly, some participants who had been witnesses to incidents of sexual harassment discussed their reactions, emotions, and the factors that influenced their responses. Furthermore, those who had committed sexual harassment in the past, spoke about the factors that prompted them to do so and reflecting on their behaviour. These findings are examined in depth in the discussion, which also includes a summary of the study’s limitations, recommendations for future research, the implications for counseling practices, and the researcher’s personal reflections. The contribution of this study is considered significant, as it addresses a gap in the existing literature and may inspire future research in the field and the development of targeted prevention and intervention programs for the Greek population.
Keywords:
sexual harassment, #MeToo, men, victims, perpetrators, bystanders
