The Impact of Different vs. Same Sex Sexual Harassment on Bystander Intervention

While sexual harassment is prevalent in the workplace, same-sex sexual harassment research is noticeably absent in the psychological literature. Specifically, there is a dearth of literature regarding the impact of same-sex compared to different-sex harassment on bystander intervention. Over the course of two vignette-based studies, I examined differences in bystander intervention behaviors between same-sex versus different-sex harassment situations. In Study 1, I examined how bystander heterosexism interacts with the sex makeup of the scenario to affect bystander intervention behaviors. In Study 2, I examined how bystander heterosexism interacts with the sex makeup of the scenario to affect bystanders’ perceptions of the scenario, which ultimately influences bystander intervention behaviors. Results from Study 1 indicated that those who were lower in heterosexism had lower intentions to label, intervene in, and report same-sex harassment versus different-sex harassment. There were no detectable differences in labeling, intervention, and reporting between same and different-sex harassment for those higher in heterosexism. Study 2 provided additional context, indicating that bystanders who were lower in heterosexism 1) held lower perceptions of the situation as severe, 2) noted more difference in attraction between the perpetrator and target, and 3) expressed less disgust in same-sex conditions. This ultimately led to lower intentions to label, intervene, or report in same-sex harassment as opposed to different-sex harassment. This study adds to the scant literature on same-sex harassment, and suggests the need to frame bystander intervention in same-sex harassment as a necessary ally behavior for those lower in heterosexism in order to encourage equal involvement in same- and different-sex harassment