26 August 2024
New Research Explores the Influence of Perpetrator Behavior and Observer Gender on Perceptions of Harassment
A recent publication titled "Blurred Ideas: How Perpetrator Behavior, Target Response, and Observer Gender Can Influence Perceptions" by WWL PhD student Charlotte Keenan in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence delves into the complexities of how harassment is perceived by different observers. The study examines how factors such as the behavior of the perpetrator, the target's response, and the gender of the observer affect judgments of harassment incidents. The findings reveal that perceptions of harassment are not straightforward and are influenced by these variables, which can blur the lines of what is considered inappropriate behavior.
This research is significant as it challenges the assumptions that observers universally perceive harassment in the same way. The study's methodology involved presenting participants with various scenarios in which these factors were manipulated, revealing that the same behavior could be interpreted differently depending on the observer's gender and the context provided by the target's response.
For professionals working in human resources, legal fields, and diversity and inclusion initiatives, this research provides valuable insights into how perceptions of harassment can vary widely, potentially affecting how cases are handled in workplaces and other settings. The implications of this study suggest the need for more nuanced approaches to training and policy development that account for these perceptual differences.
To read the full article, visit the Journal of Interpersonal Violence website here.