Sexual Harassment, Psychological Distress and Coping Mechanism among Menelik Secondary School Students
| dc.contributor.advisor | Assefa Berihun (PhD) | |
| dc.contributor.author | Bilen Mesfin | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-08-04T10:55:32Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-08-04T10:55:32Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-05 | |
| dc.description.abstract | This study explores the relationships between sexual harassment, psychological distress, and coping strategies among students at Menelik Secondary School. Utilizing a correlational research design and quantitative methods, data were collected from 288 students 185 from Grade 9 and 105 from Grade 10 using a stratified sampling technique to ensure balanced representation across grade levels. The instruments used were the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Brief COPE Inventory. Among the 285 valid responses, 28.4% of students reported experiencing sexual harassment, indicating a significant prevalence within the school environment. The findings revealed that sexual harassment was positively correlated with all forms of psychological distress measured: depression (r = 0.45, p < 0.01), anxiety (r = 0.38, p < 0.01), and stress (r = 0.42, p < 0.01). These results suggest that students who experience higher levels of harassment are more likely to suffer from increased psychological distress. Additionally, coping strategies played a critical role in students’ emotional responses. Problem-focused coping showed a moderate negative correlation with depression (r = -0.32, p < 0.05), indicating a protective effect, while avoidant coping was positively associated with anxiety (r = 0.27, p < 0.05), suggesting it may worsen psychological outcomes. The study highlights the emotional toll of sexual harassment on adolescents and the importance of promoting adaptive coping strategies. It provides strong evidence that psychological support systems are needed within schools to address both the experiences and emotional consequences of harassment. School-based interventions are recommended, including awareness programs, mental health support services, and training for staff on how to identify and respond to cases of harassment. Coping skills training should also be integrated into the school environment to enhance students' psychological resilience. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/6018 | |
| dc.language.iso | en_US | |
| dc.publisher | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | |
| dc.subject | Sexual harassment | |
| dc.subject | psychological distress | |
| dc.subject | coping strategies | |
| dc.subject | secondary school students. | |
| dc.title | Sexual Harassment, Psychological Distress and Coping Mechanism among Menelik Secondary School Students | |
| dc.type | Thesis |