NCJ Number
143937
Journal
American Journal of Family Therapy Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Dated: (1993) Pages: 136-144
Date Published
1993
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Sexual harassment is examined in terms of its legal and practical definitions, psychological effects, and treatment issues and techniques.
Abstract
The guidelines of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission state that all employees must refrain from engaging in unwelcome sexual advances and requests for sexual favors. The basic component of sexual harassment is unwanted pressure related to a person's sexuality and can include verbal innuendoes and suggestive comments as well as unwanted physical contact. The stress of sexual harassment can produce many adverse emotions and reactions. Paludi and Barickman have suggested the existence of a sexual harassment trauma syndrome consisting of emotional reactions, physical reactions, a change in self-perception, effects on social and sexual functioning, and career effects. Sexual harassment can also produce adverse impacts on the victim's family. The reconstruction of self-concept should be the main goal of treatment. Therapists should focus on healing and not on representing their clients' legal interests, although therapists should encourage victims who are clients to consult with an attorney about the legal implications of the sexual harassment. Family therapy is the treatment of choice for sexual harassment. 25 references