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 Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi

CONTEMPORARY JOURNAL OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY (CJAP), Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026)



MAPPING THE TERRAIN OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AMONG UNDERGRADUATES: A DEMOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE



Abstract

The study examined the prevalence and patterns of sexual harassment (SH) among undergraduates together with disparities in the experience based on demographic variables. The study made use of cross-sectional survey design. A total of 587 participants (252 males and 335 females) were selected among undergraduates of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, through a non-proportional stratified sampling.

Information were collected with the aid of Sexual Harassment Questionnaire (á = .88) and data were analysed through descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (independent t-tests and ANOVA). The outcome of the study showed that 27.9% of participants reported direct experiences of SH, 16.7% were doubtful, and 7.8% preferred not to disclose. The main offenders were non-members of university community and then fellow students, academics, and non-teaching staff respectively. The major forms of harassment reported are sexually expressive comments or jests, inordinate staring or leering, and meddling questions about one's private life or appearance. More reported harassment involved frequent or unacceptable advances via social platforms, undesirable physical contact, hugging, cornering, or kissing. It was statistically shown that female undergraduates, younger and lower academic level students were more susceptible to harassment. The study conclude that SH is an important misdemeanour in and around the university setting that is probably underreported. It is therefore important that universities device comprehensive interventions encompassing sensitisation training and provision of personalised professional assistance that will promote a non-toxic and more accommodating environment where every learner can learn successfully and experience positive mental health and a balanced psychological wellbeing.



Key words: Sexual harassment, Demography, Academic level, Age, gender

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