Factors Associated with Peer Sexual Harassment Victimization Among Taiwanese Adolescents

This study examined the individual and interpersonal factors of peer sexual harassment victimization among Taiwanese adolescents.
A random sample of 1,376 7th to 9th grade middle school students in Taichung City, Taiwan, completed questionnaires about
their demographics, delinquency, peer/teacher interaction, and experience of being sexually harassed by peers. Approximately
25.4% of the respondents had suffered peer sexual harassment during the previous semester. Boys reported more exposure to
sexual harassment than did girls. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed separately for boys and girls.
Significant risk factors of peer sexual harassment victimization for both genders included being bullied by peers and teacher
maltreatment. Boys’ sexual harassment victimization was also associated with their involvement in fights. Peer relationship
problems contributed to girls’ sexual harassment victimization. These findings suggested the relevance of a hostile school
climate to peer sexual harassment and the gender differences in risk factors.