E-Thesis 62 views 19 downloads
Using an evolutionary psychological approach to understand sex-specific pathways to sexual harassment / SHONAGH RIBEIRO
Swansea University Author: SHONAGH RIBEIRO
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUThesis.71300
Abstract
Background. Traditional sexual harassment research overlooks asymmetries in men and women’s evolved mating strategies. There is a lack of understanding, evident in the continued global sexual harassment problem and elusiveness of effective intervention. Sexual harassment as an unintentional behaviou...
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Swansea University
2025
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Thomas, A. G. and Davies, E. J. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71300 |
| Abstract: |
Background. Traditional sexual harassment research overlooks asymmetries in men and women’s evolved mating strategies. There is a lack of understanding, evident in the continued global sexual harassment problem and elusiveness of effective intervention. Sexual harassment as an unintentional behaviour is rarely considered, despite clear indication it is frequently an extrememate-acquisition attempt. Aims. This research applied an evolutionary psychological lens to understand cognitive processes underpinning sexual harassment behaviour, while integrating other theories and examining sex-specific influences. The objective was to develop a model(s) of sexual harassment behaviour to inform the development of future evidence-based preventative intervention(s). As the most prevalent issue, the primary focus was male-on-female harassment, but female-on-male harassment was also investigated. Method. Sexual harassment was examined both quantitatively and qualitatively, using real life examples and measured traits and attitudes to guide each step of the research and the continued development of novel paradigms: The Sexual Harassment Attitude Measure and a “Permissive Beliefs” measure. Primary predictions were that sex would significantly impact sexual harassment engagement and pathways to such behaviour. Results. Hypotheses were largely supported, as was the application of evolutionary psychological logic. Men’s persistence was a poignant issue for women. Whilst sociosexuality, outcome expectancies, and cognitive distortions were predictors of both sex’s behaviour, interactions between these differed by sex. Thus, sex-specific models of sexual harassment behaviour were developed. The novel measurement of Permissive Beliefs demonstrated reliability and significantly contributed to understanding sexual harassment. Conclusion. Evolved psychology and other influences of sexual behaviours impact men’sand women’s sexual harassment engagement in distinct ways. Measuring Permissive Beliefs provided a bridge for the thought-to-behaviour gap regarding how cognitive distortions lead tosexual harassment. As the research focus, an integrative hypothetical model of men’s harassment was generated. Implications for theory and research are discussed, and proposals for tailored, proactive interventions are made. |
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| Keywords: |
Sexual harassment, evolutionary psychology, sex differences, cognitive distortions, persistence, outcome expectancies, sociosexuality, miscommunication, mating behaviour |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |
| Funders: |
ESRC doctoral training grant |