The Mental Health Consequences of Sexual Harassment on Teenage Girls
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April 12, 2025
Introduction
Sexual harassment remains a pervasive issue affecting adolescents, particularly teenage
girls, during a critical period of emotional, psychological, and social development. These
experiences can have profound and lasting effects on mental health, manifesting in
anxiety, depression, PTSD, and reduced self-worth. This paper explores the
psychological impacts of sexual harassment on teenage girls, drawing on existing
academic research and institutional reports.
Literature Review
Research by Hill and Kearl (2011) reveals that a significant percentage of middle and
high school girls experience sexual harassment. Gruber and Fineran (2008) found that
such experiences correlate strongly with mental health issues such as depression and
anxiety. Stein (2003) emphasized how institutional failure to respond can exacerbate
psychological distress. Mitchell et al. (2014) highlighted the growing role of online
harassment, and Chmielewski et al. (2019) discussed how intersectional identities
intensify the impact of harassment.
Methodology
This research used a qualitative secondary analysis approach, reviewing academic
literature and data from journals, institutional reports, and digital libraries. The criteria
prioritized studies with a focus on adolescent girls and mental health outcomes.
Discussion
The emotional toll of sexual harassment on teenage girls is multifaceted, with long-term
consequences. The normalization of harassment and lack of institutional accountability
worsens psychological outcomes. Intersectionality and digital harassment add layers of
complexity that demand targeted responses.
Conclusion
Sexual harassment has severe mental health consequences for teenage girls, calling for
immediate attention through policies, mental health support, and preventative education.
Addressing these issues with intersectional and digital awareness is crucial to promoting
adolescent well-being.
References
Chmielewski, J. F., Belmonte, K., & Fine, M. (2019). Intersectional inquiry: A call for
research and action in the sexual harassment of adolescent girls. *Psychology of
Women Quarterly, 43*(4), 476–488. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361684319864369
Gruber, J. E., & Fineran, S. (2008). Comparing the impact of bullying and sexual
harassment victimization on the mental and physical health of adolescents. *Sex
Roles, 59*(1–2), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-008-9417-8
Hill, C., & Kearl, H. (2011). *Crossing the line: Sexual harassment at school*. American
Association of University Women.
Mitchell, K. J., Ybarra, M. L., & Korchmaros, J. D. (2014). Online behavior and social
media use among teens: Implications for prevention and intervention strategies.
*Journal of Adolescent Health, 54*(3 Suppl), S1–S2.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.11.006
Stein, N. (2003). Bullying or sexual harassment? The missing discourse of rights in an
era of zero tolerance. *University of Illinois Law Review, 2003*(4), 1015–1040.
