Adverse Psychological Processes Associated with Sexual Harassment at Work among French Women

The aim of the present study was to explore the link between sexual harassment at work and mental health. Eight hundred and one women (n = 801; M_age = 40.88 years, SD 11.62, range = 18–80; 91.88% were professionally active) completed several questionnaires online concerning sexual harassment at work, psychological symptoms, and substance use habits. The results of a Mann-Whitney mean comparison showed that participants who had experienced sexual harassment at work (n = 175) were more likely to report depressive symptoms, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and burnout, than those who had not (n = 676). They were also less likely to be satisfied with the perceived social support they received. However, consumption of alcohol and cannabis, as a coping mechanism, was not implicated in sexual cases. Sexual harassment at work is associated with important psychological issues. If the association is indicative of a causal link, then providing support in developing self-esteem to people who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace may help in the resilience and recovery process.