Attitudes and Behaviors of University Students Toward SOGIE-based Harassment: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

Abstract

Using a sequential explanatory research design following a framework adapted from the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study surveyed the attitudes and behavioral responses of university students towards SOGIE-based harassment (n=386). Attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community were found to have a statistically significant positive correlation with likelihood of intervening in SOGIE-based harassment. Those who have previously witnessed an incident of SOGIE-based harassment were found to have more positive attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community as compared to those who were not witnesses. Among eight different Interaction Types, most have positive attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community with those interacting only with LGBTQ+ Family having neutral attitudes. Moreover, university students reported that they were likely to intervene in SOGIE-based harassment despite believing that most Filipinos would not approve or actually help victims of SOGIE-based harassment. However, perceptions of the difficulty and efficacy of intervening and their perception of their success in overcoming barriers to intervening were identified as crucial factors that affected the likelihood of intervention. In-depth interviews were conducted with five (5) of the university students who answered the survey. Thematic analysis showed that interaction with the LGBTQ+ community did positively impact attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community and, thus, intervening in SOGIE- based harassment. Although verbal harassment was identified to be the most common form of SOGIE-based harassment, thematic analysis revealed that microaggressions and cyberbullying were becoming more prominent forms of harassment as well. Moreover, outsider identity was found to be a salient factor which affected intervening in SOGIE-based harassment. However, thematic analysis showed that university students were all consistent in the belief that the goal of intervening was to empower the victim. Although the study yielded a mostly homogenous sample, with most survey respondents reported having positive attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community, the interviews point to the culture of acceptance within universities that have helped increase their interaction with and awareness of the LGBTQ+ community as a reason behind the homogeneity. Recommendations for future studies and policies are also made.