Beyond the Catcalls: Street Harassment as a Predictor of Social Anxiety and Self-Esteem among Working Women in Pakistan

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18149390

Abstract

The current research examined the connection of street harassment, social anxiety, and self-esteem in working women. The conceptualization of street harassment came to define it as complimentary/benign and hostile/threatening actions in the public. This study investigates the relationship between street harassment, social anxiety, and self-esteem among working women in Pakistan. Using a cross-sectional correlational design, data were collected from 250 employed women aged 18–40 across multiple urban centers. Measures included the Street Harassment Scale (SHS), Social Phobia Scale (SPS), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE). Results revealed significant positive correlations between both complimentary/benign and hostile/threatening forms of street harassment and social anxiety, and significant negative correlations with self-esteem. Regression analyses confirmed that street harassment is a significant predictor of increased social anxiety and reduced self-esteem, with hostile harassment particularly impacting self-esteem. The findings underscore street harassment as a critical psychosocial stressor that adversely affects the mental well-being and self-worth of working women in Pakistan. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy measures to mitigate street harassment and support the psychological health of women in public and professional spheres.