The aftermath of campus sexual harassment: Psychological and academic effects

In recent years, sexual harassment (SH) in universities has become a significant concern in Ecuador. This research aims to examine the psychological and academic effects of SH on university students, focusing on three specific outcome variables: absenteeism, presenteeism, and anxious-depressive symptoms. Additionally, the study explores whether the relationships of interest are influenced by students' gender identity and sexual orientation. The quantitative empirical analysis was conducted using a probabilistic sample of 21,876 students from 14 public and private universities in Ecuador. University SH was assessed using the Sexual Harassment Scale in Higher Education Institutions (ASIES), and data analysis was performed using Poisson regressions. The findings indicate a positive relationship between SH and the outcomes considered. When analyzing the various dimensions of harassment, it is observed that verbal and non-verbal harassment are the modalities that generate the most relevant effects. On the other hand, the psychoeducational repercussions of harassment are moderated by gender identity and sexual orientation, with women and heterosexual students experiencing more pronounced effects. In this context, the findings suggest that SH tends to have a less significant impact on the academic engagement and mental health of sexual minorities. • Sexual harassment is more prevalent among student groups identifying with non-binary gender identities and non-heteronormative sexual orientations • Sexual harassment was positively related to presenteeism, absenteeism and anxious-depressive symptoms. • By dimensions, verbal and non-verbal harassment were the most important predictors • The psychoeducational effects of harassment are moderated by gender identity and sexual orientation