This literature review of 1991-95 occupational health research is classified by key constructs: environmental characteristics, individual characteristics, cognitive appraisal, coping, and health outcomes. Research problems are identified: 77% of studies use a cross-sectional design, 59% use shortened ad hoc scales, and 68% use self-report for both…

Males (n=123) and females (n=134) rated sexual harassment case studies, judging subordinates harassing supervisors more harshly than coworker cases. Females held organizations more responsible than males did. When behavior violated norms of role-prescribed behavior, it was more likely to be perceived as harassment. (Contains 46 references.) (SK)

Factor analysis of data from 1,070 federal employees, 575 undergraduates and 575 graduate students, faculty, and staff uncovered some weaknesses in the Merit Systems Protection Board's sexual harassment survey instrument. This type of survey does not adequately measure sexual coercion or quid pro quo forms of harassment. (SK)

A survey of 214 female university employees found that gender harassment was most frequently experienced, but it was not related to age. Harassment by peers was associated with higher stress and intent to quit. Harassment by higher-level men was associated with a wider variety of negative outcomes. (SK)

A survey of 13,743 women in the armed forces used an instrument to identify specific experiences of sexual harassment rather than aggregate approaches. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the measure's construct validity. Reasons for using aggregate versus situation-specific approaches were identified. (Contains 19 references.) (SK)

Graduate students (n=143) reviewed 1 of 4 descriptions of sexual harassment and completed manipulation check and judgment questionnaires. Judges' reactions were less favorable to the complainant when she had tolerated the harassment for a period of time and the harasser had above-average job performance. Females' reactions were more favorable…

Three samples (1,746 U.S. female undergraduates, 389 Brazilian female undergraduates, and 307 female university employees) were used to test a tripartite model of sexual harassment (gender harassment, unwanted sexual attention, and sexual coercion). Results confirm the generalizability of the construct across workplace and education settings and…

According to survey responses from 933 of 1,807 undergraduates, 227 of 1,006 graduate students, and 432 of 1,372 faculty/staff, experience of sexual seduction, coercion, or imposition increased the probability of acknowledgment of having been harassed. Probability of acknowledgment was not related to gender or form of harassment. (SK)

In a survey of 458 telecommunications workers, those who were positive about the workplace social climate reported fewer unwanted sexual behaviors; those who perceived equal gender treatment reported less sexual harassment; those who perceived favorable management attitudes about work and family reported fewer incidents of sexual harassment. (SK)

Examined the way people interpret ambiguous, but potentially sexual, interactions between the sexes in a work setting. Respondents (N=218) evaluated a vignette depicting such an interaction. Men interpreted the vignettes more positively than did women. Incidents initiated by women were viewed more positively. (Author/RC)

College students (N=28) completed 200 paired comparisons of situations describing sexual harassment in university setting; rated degree of similarity; and rated situations on degree of severity, type of harassment, and form of coercion. Results suggest that continuum of severity model is oversimplification and that at least 2 dimensions are…

Gender discrimination (sexual harassment and use of gender in job decisions--gender evaluation) was compared using data from 583 working women in the United States, China, and Hong Kong. Discrimination negatively affected job satisfaction, commitment, and stress. Harassment was more significant in the United States, unwanted attention in China,…

Describes development of Sexual Experiences Questionnaire to assess sexual harassment. Reports on results of psychometric analyses, application of inventory to two large public universities, and development of second form of the inventory designed for working women. Discusses results for large sample of academic, professional and semiprofessional,…

Reviews two major themes in sexual harassment research (prevalence figures and perceptions/attributions) and two emerging areas (victim responses and organizational factors). Identifies lack of research on training interventions and organizational response patterns as well as a lack of conceptual clarity and specificity in research. (81…

Sexual harassment is the most visible example of workplace disputes that systematically disadvantage women. The prevalence of sexual harassment contributes to the persistence of occupational sex segregation. (SK)