Assessing the Psychological Climate and Moral Disengagement in Sexual Harassment among College Students in Angeles City: Implications for Policy and Interventions

Sexual harassment is a growing concern in the Philippines, prompting the enactment of laws such as the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 and the Safe Spaces Act. This study examines the dynamics of sexual harassment among college students in Angeles City, Pampanga, focusing on the interplay between psychological climate, sexual experiences, and moral disengagement. Using a quantitative survey approach, data were collected from 376 participants through stratified random sampling. Key findings reveal significant effects of age and gender on attitudes, with younger individuals and females more impacted, and organizational culture shaping perceptions of harassment. Although gender harassment and sexual coercion were less common, they had severe effects, while unwanted sexual attention was more prevalent. Participants generally rejected moral disengagement, emphasizing the importance of accountability. These findings underscore the complexity of factors influencing sexual harassment attitudes and provide empirical evidence to guide policies, educational initiatives, and interventions aimed at fostering safer environments and supporting survivors.