Why Don’t We Report Sexual Harassment? An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

• Published in: Basic and applied social psychology Vol. 40; no. 3; pp. 148 - 160
• Main Authors: Foster, Pamela J., Fullagar, Clive J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mahwah Psychology Press 04-05-2018
• Subjects: Behavioral psychology; Perceived control; Sexual harassment; Theory of planned behavior; Women
• ISSN: 0197-3533; 1532-4834
• DOI: 10.1080/01973533.2018.1449747

The study found that an individual's attitudes toward the behavior, normative beliefs, and perceived behavioral control predicted an individual's intention to report an incident of hostile environment sexual harassment. Even though women indicated a greater intention to report, there was not a gender difference in whether an individual reported an incident of hostile environment sexual harassment. Our findings provide support for the theory of planned behavior as a model for predicting an individual's intention to report sexual harassment. These findings provide insight for the formulation of policy and procedures and the development of training programs to facilitate reporting of incidents.