ARTICLE ON

MENTAL HEALTH

Name – Madhusmita Behera

Roll no. – 2283089

Branch – BA LLB, 1st semester

Subject – Fundamentals of Sociology

Subject code - (LW 1115)

Subject teacher – Dr. Arpita Mitra

E-mail – 2283089@kls.ac.in

Topic – Mental Health

Abstract
During the last years, harassment experiences have more often than earlier been included in
the framework of work stress, thereby being seen more as a result of how the work
organisation function rather than being a result of poor characteristics among individuals. The
aim of the present study was to examine the relation between sexual harassment and gender
discrimination and how they are facing mental health consequences. Lack of equality and
conflicts were significantly related to sexual harassment among women, but very few of the
deliberate factors to sexual harassment among men. Any individual of any gender may also
be a victim of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can even occur between parties of the
same sex. Many people view sexual harassment as a case of an individual being overly
sensitive and as a result, discount the victim's trauma. Distressingly, this heinous crime has
creeped its way into the workplace and other parts of the society and is an unresolved
problem in almost each and every sector of the economy. Such acts violets woman’s right to
high standards of physical and mental health. To summarise, it is intended to acquaint the
people with both the wide range and severity of mental health consequences linked with
sexual harassment and gender discrimination.
Introduction
“Sexual harassment and other forms of gender discrimination were initially conceptualized as
legal problems, essential as impositions on an individual’s civil rights.”- Clinical Aspects of
Sexual Harassment and Gender Discrimination.
Sexual harassment is a type of sexual violence where a person conducts verbally or
physically.
Researchers from various fields started to examining and addressing the negative impacts on
economic and productivity in these circumstances especially on sexual harassment. We
should take into account the physical implications of such acts, one must not forget that there
are psychological effects that have damaging implications to the victim’s health and
workplace functioning. With the prevalence of gender discrimination, girls become more
exposed to the possibility of poor education and at greater risk of poor health outcomes and
sexual violence.

Objectives
 Psychological consequences of sexual harassment
 Psychological effects of gender inequality

Workplace sexual harassment stems from hierarchical power dynamics and the majority of
sexual harassment complaints include a subordinate and a higher-level position. Studies have
shown that one in three women admit to being victims of workplace sexual harassment and
65 percent of all women have experienced street harassment. Studies have also found that
seven percent of men are victims of workplace sexual harassment and men in the military are
ten times more likely to be victims of sexual harassment than civilian peers but 80 percent of
these victims do not report it. Regardless of the level of power or the gender, sexual
harassment whether it is in the workplace, in public or in the home results in higher levels of
depression, anxiety and eating disorders on a long-term basis. This is because sexual
harassment is a form of psychological and (physical) trauma.
Types of Sexual Harassment
GENDER HARASSMENT (most common): Generalized sexist statements and behaviour
that convey insulting or degrading attitudes about women or men. Examples: insulting
remarks, obscene jokes about sex, etc.
SEDUCTIVE BEHAVIOR: Unwanted, inappropriate and offensive sexual advances.
Examples include repeated and unwanted sexual invitation; insisting requests for
dates/dinner/drinks; letters, phone calls, etc.
 SEXUAL BRIBERY: Solicitation of sexual activity or other sex-linked behaviour by
promise of reward; the proposition may be either overt or subtle.
SEXUAL COERCION: Coercion of sexual activity or other sex-linked behaviour by threat
of punishment; examples include negative performance evaluations, withholding of
promotion, threat of termination.
SEXUAL IMPOSITION: Gross sexual imposition (such as forceful touching, grabbing, etc.)
or sexual assault/battery.
Consequences of sexual harassment
Harassment costs company money by reducing productivity, morale and motivation. If a
worker is constantly concerned that the harasser may strike again, she is unlikely to be able to
work effectively. At the same time, colleagues who are not involved may be demotivated if
they are aware of unacceptable goings-on, or fear possible favouritism. Companies may lose
valuable staff. Many women resign rather than go through the unpleasantness of a
confrontation. In a division of a company employing many women, where the problem was
rife, few women stayed longer than three months. This almost bankrupted the division due to
high recruitment and training costs, and poor productivity. The costs of bad decisions related
to harassment are difficult to quantify. These include the costs of appointing people because
of their looks or compliance with "quid pro" demands, rather than skills and competence, the
direct costs of perks and unearned increases for favourites, and hotel and travelling costs if
women are taken along on business trips or to conferences for personal rather than business
reasons. Other examples could relate to giving loans or overdrafts unwisely, or placing orders
in the hope of gaining the victim's compliance. High absenteeism among women could also
be a result (or a possible symptom) of harassment, as the stress caused by such an unresolved
problem, or the fear of being harassed again can either cause illness, or encourage women to
stay “safely” at home. The knowledge that harassment is permitted can undermine ethical
standards and discipline in the organisation in general, as staff lose respect for, and trust in,
their seniors who indulge in, or turn a blind eye to, such behaviour. If word gets around that
a company allows sexual harassment to go unchecked, the company's image among its staff,
customers and the general public may also suffer. If sexual harassment is reported, the
harasser can suffer a number of consequences such as being reprimanded, demoted, or fired.
If the harasser’s actions were serious enough to constitute sexual assault, the harasser may
also be criminally prosecuted.

Psychological Effects:
Being sexually harassed can impact psychological health, physical well-being and vocational
development, Psychological and physical reactions to being harassed may include:
PSYCHOLOGICAL REACTIONS - Depression, anxiety, shock, denial, Confusion,
feelings of being powerless, anger, fear, frustration, shame, self-consciousness, low self-
esteem, Insecurity, embarrassment, feelings of betrayal, guilt, self-blame, isolation, etc.
Individuals with psychological disorders are at greater risk for decreased quality of life,
educational difficulties, lowered productivity and poverty, social problems, vulnerability
to abuse, and additional health problems. Along with the depression, anxiety, and stress,
different other types of mental problem such as fear, irritation, frustration, tension,
humiliation, and sleeping problem (insomnia) were mentioned by the participants during
qualitative inquiry due to sexual harassment by teachers, peers/friend and
 relatives/neighbour. Having a previous history of being a victim and negative reactions
from family, friends, and professionals worsen the impact of sexual violence on mental
health. Because sexual trauma can have such a serious impact on mental health, it’s
important that services and supports consider and address the trauma that many
individuals have experienced. If you have concerns about your mental health, take a
mental health screen.

Mental health issues resulting from sexual assault:

 Feelings of shame or guilt

 Social isolation or withdrawal
 Problems sleeping
 Eating disorders
 Flashbacks or nightmares
 Avoidance of certain places/things related to the event
 Anxiety disorders
 PTSD (post trauma stress disorder)
 Depression and suicidal thoughts or actions
Unfortunately, most victims will experience these effects in some capacity. While many
common psychological effects of sexual assault include feelings of shame, guilt, or fear, these
emotions may be more fleeting and get better as time goes on. In many other cases, the
effects are more severe. One study found that victims of sexual assault were significantly
more likely to experience anxiety disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, sleep disorders,
depression, and suicidal attempts than the average population.
 Do the unexpected: Name the behaviour. Whatever the harasser has just done, say it,
and be specific.
 Hold the harasser accountable for his/her actions. Don't make excuses for the
harasser; don't pretend it didn't really happen. Take charge of the encounter and let
people know what the harasser did. Privacy protects harassers, but visibility
undermines them.
 Make honest, direct statements. Speak the truth (no threats, no insults, no obscenities,
no appeasing verbal fluff and padding).
 Demand that the harassment stop. Make it clear that all people have the right to be
free from sexual harassment. Objecting to harassment is a matter of principle.
 Stick to your own agenda. Don't respond to the harasser's excuses or diversionary
tactics.
 The harasser’s behaviour is the issue. Say what you have to say, and repeat it if the
behaviour persists.
 Reinforce your statements with strong, self-respecting body language: eye contact,
head up, shoulders back, a strong, serious stance. Don't smile. Timid, submissive
body language will undermine your message.
Conclusion
Mental illness status was found among the adolescent girl students who were suffered from
sexually harassed and it was also found as one of the responsible factors in reducing mental
health status that is depression, anxiety and stress on the victim. Similarly, girls were also
feeling fear, frustration, irritation, and insomnia in their daily life due to the sexual
harassment by teachers, male class friends, and relatives. Such misbehaviours against on
them might affect their physical health and educational performance along with their poor
mental health status. As school is considered as the temple of learning and students come
there to learn required knowledge and skill to be a capable and good citizen in future. Hence,
for a better learning environment, there should smooth and harassment free learning
environment so that students can explore their capacity to be efficient citizens of the nation.
References: http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/svaw/harassment/explore/3causes.htm

https://www.civilserviceindia.com/subject/Essay/sexual-harassment-in-
workplace-causes-and-remedies2.html
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/psychology/workplace-sexual-harassment.php
https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/occupational-health-developing-
countries/0/steps/13144