Pyschological implications of sexual harassment on student interns

Abstract

The study explores the psychological implications of sexual exploitation and Harassment on student interns. The study highlights that sexual exploitation and harassment have become a perennial issue within the corridors of higher and tertiary education and this has negative implications on student performance. The researchers highlight that sexual exploitation of students can not only be relegated to higher learning institution corridors but sexual exploitation has also permeated the industries where students are attached. In exploring this study, the researchers made use of Herman (1992)’s Trauma and Recovery theory which stipulates that an unwanted event such as war, sexual exploitation, or rape can affect a person’s psychological functions. Thus there is a need to address such traumatic experiences by coming up with vibrant mechanisms. Hence the research uses this theory to highlight that sexual exploitation and harassment of student interns negatively affects the psychological makeup and being of student interns. A qualitative research design was used for this study and participants were purposively selected. Findings from the study highlight that sexual exploitation and harassment psychologically affect students' attachment as it leads to poor academic performance, increased incidence of depression and self–blame, suicidal tendencies, and the spread of diseases among others. The research highlighted that there is a need to establish stringent laws to safeguard student interns as well as provide a social support system for student interns who have been psychologically affected and impacted by the issue under study.