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RESEARCH

The document discusses a study on the impact of cat-calling on the self-esteem and social interaction of psychology students. It describes the research design, variables, data collection process, instruments used, and data analysis method. The study examines how cat-calling affects students' self-esteem and social interaction.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
34 views20 pages

RESEARCH

The document discusses a study on the impact of cat-calling on the self-esteem and social interaction of psychology students. It describes the research design, variables, data collection process, instruments used, and data analysis method. The study examines how cat-calling affects students' self-esteem and social interaction.

Uploaded by

rjdc972
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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St.

Paul University Surigao


St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 1


of St. Paul University Surigao.

INTRODUCTION

Catcalling is a form of harassment, involves unwelcome comments, gestures, or

actions of a sexual nature directed on men and women in public spaces. According to

Fairchild and Rudman (2008), it is a form of sexual harassment, or un-wanted verbal or

nonverbal sexual attention, also aptly described as stranger harassment because the victim

and the perpetrator do not know each other. Catcalling maybe accompanied by whistles,

winks, or grabs (Bowman 1993. It involves brief, one-sided interactions in public places

(e.g., streets, public transit, shopping malls), and unlike quid pro quo harassment that

might occur in the workplace or educational settings, catcalling has no clear purpose other

than to call attention to a woman’s body or sexuality (Saunders et al. 2016). According to

Harrison and Selma (2005), men are known to be silent victims on sexual harassment

because they have the tendency to not talk about being victims of sexual harassment.

Awareness of sexual harassment in various forms continues to increase. However,

literature on street harassment, such as catcalling, is less explored (Farmer et al, 2017).

Self-esteem is an important construct that underlies and often helps to explain human

thoughts, feelings, and behavior. (Holloway and Franklin, 2016). It represents self-worth

and personal values, which are essential ingredients in preparing people to forgive
St. Paul University Surigao
St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 2


of St. Paul University Surigao.

themselves, which in turn, may cultivate positive effects and cognitions that lead to

flourishing (Tiwari et al, 2023). Catcalling can have a negative impact on a person's self-

esteem, especially the individual being catcalled. It can make them feel objectified, unsafe,

and degraded, which can lead to a decrease in self-esteem.

Social interaction refer to the ways in which individuals or groups of people engage

with one another in a social setting. These interactions can take various forms, including

verbal and non-verbal communication, and they encompass a wide range of behaviors and

activities. Social interaction is associated with many effects on the psychological level of

adolescence such as mental health, self-esteem, and executive functions. The topic of

catcalling and its correlation with social interactions has been the subject of various

studies and research. Catcalling can lead to a breakdown of trust and a feeling of unsafely

in public spaces. A study in the "Journal of Gender Studies" in 2020 highlighted how

women often alter their behavior, such as avoiding certain areas or wearing specific

clothing, in response to catcalling, impacting their ability to engage freely in social

interactions.

This research is conducted to understand how catcalling affects the students. It helps

uncover the real-life consequences of street harassment within our academic community.
St. Paul University Surigao
St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 3


of St. Paul University Surigao.

By studying this, we can identify ways to support the students better and create a safer

environment. The findings will not only benefit the researchers but also contribute to

broader efforts to combat catcalling and promote respectful behavior. This research aims

to simplify the issue, make our campus safer, and encourage respectful social interactions.
St. Paul University Surigao
St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 4


of St. Paul University Surigao.

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research design, variables, data gathering process,

instrument, and data analysis tool of the study.

Research Design

This study, a descriptive survey research design is used. This is to allow the researcher

to gather precise information on the study of the impact of catcalling on self-esteem and

social interaction of psychology students of St Paul University Surigao. The design was

deemed appropriate because it is most definitely the best method for gathering data for the

aforementioned objectives.

Variables

Catcalling .This variable is an independent variable and it refers to the unsolicited and

typically sexually suggestive comments, gestures, or noises made by individuals towards

others in public spaces. This can include whistling, lewd remarks, sexual innuendos, and

other forms of harassment or objectification. It often takes place in public areas, such as

streets, sidewalks, or public transportation, and is usually directed at strangers or

individuals who may feel vulnerable or uncomfortable due to such advances.


St. Paul University Surigao
St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 5


of St. Paul University Surigao.

Social interaction. This variable is a dependent variable and is described as the

measurable changes or consequences that occur in an individual's behavior, emotions, and

attitudes during interpersonal interactions as a result of experiencing catcalling. This may

include factors such as increased anxiety or discomfort, altered self-esteem or confidence

levels, changes in the individual's body language or non-verbal communication, and

potential avoidance of certain social situations. It is important to note that these effects can

vary from person to person and may have different intensity and duration based on various

factors such as personal resilience, cultural context, and previous experiences.

Self-esteem. This variable is a dependent variable. When someone is subjected to

catcalling, their subjective opinion of their own self-worth and confidence is referred to as

self-esteem. It is determined by how much a person reacts to catcalling incidents feeling

unaffected, unthreatened, or in control. According to this concept, a person's self-esteem

in the context of catcalling is determined by how they interpret and emotionally process

such events, including whether they feel empowered and unaffected or weak and

threatened.
St. Paul University Surigao
St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 6


of St. Paul University Surigao.

Data Gathering Process

The questionnaire was modified and was given to the adviser for checking and

approval. After the approval, the questionnaire was subjected to the validation of experts

and reliability tests. he final questionnaire was then made. It was administered using an

online platform where consent from the participants was also asked. After the participants

answered the questionnaire, the data collected were tallied, treated, and interpreted.

Instrument

The questionnaire was divided into three parts, for catcalling, self-esteem and social

interaction. For catcalling and self-esteem the instrument used is a questionnaire made by

the researchers. For social interaction, it was a modified questionnaire from the self-

report scale of Mattick and Clarke: Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) (1998). Part

1 of the questionnaire is on the perception of catcalling, witnessing catcalling, its

frequency and location, personal experience, and impact to the respondents. Part 2 is on

the social interaction of the respondents after their encounters of catcalling. Part 3 is on the

self-esteem of the respondents and how catcalling affects their social self-esteem.
St. Paul University Surigao
St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 7


of St. Paul University Surigao.

Data Analysis

The following statistical tool was used to treat the data: Correlation/Pearson R. This

test statistics deals with the magnitude and direction of relationship between two variables.

Correlations can be in a perfect positive relationship or perfect negative or inverse

relationship. The following were the basis for the interpretation of data:

-1.00 perfect negative correlation 0.10 weak positive correlation

-0.60 strong negative correlation 0.30 moderate positive correlation

-0.30 moderate negative correlation 0.60 strong positive correlation

-0.10 weak negative correlation 1.00 perfect positive correlation

0.00 no correlation
St. Paul University Surigao
St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 8


of St. Paul University Surigao.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the result and discussion of the data gathering during the survey

conducted online on the impact of catcalling on self-esteem and social interaction of

psychology students of St. Paul University Surigao.

Table 1 shows the correlation matrix between catcalling and social interaction as to the

Pearson’s R and p-value.

Table 1. Correlation Matrix between Catcalling and Social Interaction


Cat Calling Social Interaction
Cat Calling Pearson's r —
p-value —
Social Interaction Pearson's r 0.137 —
p-value 0.343 —

In total, 50 participants are involved in the research. As shown in the table, the

Pearson’s R of catcalling and social interaction is 0.137. This means that the relationship

between catcalling and social interaction is weak positive correlation. As mentioned in the

data analysis, the basis for weak positive correlation is 0.10 and if we round the resulting

data to its nearest tenth we get the result of weak positive correlation.
St. Paul University Surigao
St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 9


of St. Paul University Surigao.

As shown in the table, the p-value or the significant difference of catcalling and social

interaction is 0.343. In our case, since it is correlational the p-value stands as the

relationship between the two. This means that the p-value (0.343) is greater than 0.05 thus

stating it is not significant. This shows that the effect is not strong enough, given the

sample size, to determine it to be statistically different from zero.

According to N. Baguidudol (2023), victims have harsh inner criticism such as

something is wrong in their body, dress, or their action thus victims tend to present

themselves awkwardly in public places as strangers may catcall them which can also lead

to avoidance of interaction with others. Their findings show that the participants were

disconnected from their environment after being catcalled. Bowman (1993 cited in

2023) has further explained that catcalling reduces the physical and geographical

mobility of women preventing them from strolling alone in public space thus this

could be associated with the process of isolating women to the private space of the

home. Moreover, Saunders et al. (2016) with their published article entitled Contending

with catcalling, it was discussed that ignoring as a passivecoping mechanism is

considered by most participants for safety concerns and to avoid additional

hostility.
St. Paul University Surigao
St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 10


of St. Paul University Surigao.

Table 2 shows the correlation matrix between catcalling and self-esteem as to the

Person’s R and p-value.

Table 2. Correlation Matrix between Catcalling and Self-esteem


Cat Calling Self Esteem
Cat Calling Pearson's r —
Df —
p-value —
Self Esteem Pearson's r 0.099 —
Df 48 —
p-value 0.493 —

As shown in the table, the Pearson’s R of catcalling and self-esteem is 0.099. This

means that the relationship between catcalling and self -esteem is also weak positive

correlation. As mentioned in the data analysis, the basis for weak positive correlation is

+0.10 and if we round the resulting data to its nearest tenth we get the result of weak

positive correlation.

As shown in the table, the p-value or the significant difference of catcalling and self-

esteem is 0.493. In our case, since it is correlational the p-value stands as the relationship

between the two. This means that the p-value (0.493) is greater than 0.05 thus stating it is

not significant. This shows that the effect is not strong enough, given the sample size, to

determine it to be statistically different from zero.


St. Paul University Surigao
St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 11


of St. Paul University Surigao.

In line with this, Brosas et al. (2015) theorized that catcalling is the most experience

by undergraduate students, which makes them feel inferior and tends to lose their self-

confidence. While Gardner (1995) specified that public places are an accessory of injuring

an individual’s self-esteem by uttering offensive insults and whistles and since the

occurrence of these offensive comments and behaviors are repetitive, women often see the

problem and dissatisfaction of these acts as expressive of larger issues in their relations

with men. As stated by the participant, they are hesitant to walk alone, walk near a

crowded place, pass silently especially in a place with a group of males, and often

ask someone if she looks good before her appearance in public places (Baguidodol, 2023).

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of the study, the following conclusions were drawn:
St. Paul University Surigao
St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 12


of St. Paul University Surigao.

The impact of ccat-calling on self-esteem and social interaction of the respondents

revealed that there is no significant difference between the dependent and independent

variables, which are the relationship between catcalling and social interaction and ca-

calling and self-esteem.

REFERENCES
St. Paul University Surigao
St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 13


of St. Paul University Surigao.

Bowman (1993 cited in 2023) Retrieved from : https://christopherjferguson.com/Catcall

ing . pdf

Fairchild, K., Rudman, L.A. Everyday Stranger Harassment and Women’s Objectification

. Soc Just Res 21, 338–357 (2008). Retrieved from : https://doi.org/10.1007/s11

211-008-0073-0

(Farmer et al, 2017). Experiences of Women Coping With Catcalling Experiences in New

York City: A Pilot Study. Retrieved from : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/1

0.1080/08952833.2017.1373577?

fbclid=IwAR1fxgwaPSyqtjJTRXxTBoQpm2VdnbYlOpUAhi99KX_62WjntjgRlw

0ANI0

Garden (1995) Passing By: Gender and Public Harassment. Retrieved from : https://bo

oks.google.com.ph/books?

hl=en&lr=&id=va4wDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&ots=zKeq6Zg0C8&sig=JdL

gkMvVAKApaQJ6iLDMMJobo&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false

Holloway, F. (2016). Self-esteem : Perspectives, Influences and Improvement Strategies.

Nova Science Publishers, Inc. Retrieved from : https://web.s.ebscohost.com

/ehost/detail/detail?vid=15&sid=4bcec23f-adf4-44f8-ba0f d97236fbd1fb%4

0redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=1419131&db=nlebk
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St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 14


of St. Paul University Surigao.

Journal of Gender Studies 2020 Retrieved from : https://www.tandfonline.com

/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=wfft20

N. Baguidudol (2023). Catcalling in the Eyes of the University Students. Retrieved from :

https://namibian-studies.com/index.php/JNS/article/view/1692?fbclid=IwAR3-

OsdvO8a4JdVXoemaWLEnOIFm1h6Scx4LZqQ_QTardkalYVhTPCTFsp4

(Saunders et al. 2016). Contending with Catcalling: The Role of System-justifying Beliefs

and Ambivalent Sexism in Predicting Women’s Coping Experiences with (and

Men’s Attributions for) Stranger Harassment. Retrieved from : https://link.spr

inger. com/article/10.1007/s12144-016-9421 7?fbclid=IwAR1VIn_U0n

SfGmhgEaQs1v3Vu504lurcvG1AOwJS2MppoTYLVg6FKnTuDeM

Tiwari, G. K., Pandey, R., Parihar, P., & Rai, P. K. (2023). Self-forgiveness and human

flourishing: understanding the mediating role of self-esteem. Mental Health,

Religion & Culture, 1–13. Retrieved from : https://doi.org/10.1080/136

74676.2023.2238642

Mattick and Clarke: Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) (1998) Retrieved from :

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/social-interaction-

anxiety-scale
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St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 15


of St. Paul University Surigao.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

RAW DATA
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St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

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of St. Paul University Surigao.
St. Paul University Surigao
St. Paul University System
Surigao City, Philippines

The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 17


of St. Paul University Surigao.

APPENDIX B

SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

Questionnaire
Age : Sexual Orientation :
Location (City/Region : Gender :
Catcalling
Instructions : For each statement or question, choose the option that best
represents your opinion or level of agreement with the statement.
1 – Totally agree
2 – Mostly agree
3 – Neutral
4 – Mostly disagree
5 – Totally disagree
Perceptions of Catcalling 1 2 3 4 5
1. I believe catcalling is a form of
harassment.
2. Catcalling is a prevalent issue in my
community
3. Catcalling should be taken more
seriously of society
Witnessing Catcalling
1. I have witnessed someone else
getting cat-called
Frequency and Location
1. Catcalling is most common in
public places.
Personal Experience
1. I have personally experienced
catcalling.
2. I feel really uncomfortable when
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The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 18


of St. Paul University Surigao.

someone calls me sorts of


inappropriate names
3. I feel uneasy when someone wolf –
whistle me
4. I experienced verbal harassment.
Impact and Responses
1. Catcalling negatively affects the
mental well-being of its targets
2. Reporting catcalling incidents to the
authorities or seeking help is an
effective way to address the issue.

Social Interaction
Instructions : For each item, please check the number that indicate the degree
to which you feel the statement is characteristic or true for you. The rating
scale is as follows:
1= Not at all characteristic or true of me.
2= Slightly characteristic or true of me.
3=Moderately characteristic or true of me.
4= Very characteristic or true of me.
5= Extremely characteristic or true of me..
1 2 3 4 5
1. I have difficulty making eye contact
with others.
2. I find it difficult to mix comfortably
with the people I work with.
3. I tense up if I meet an acquaintance
in the street.
4. When mixing socially, I am
uncomfortable.
5. I feel tense if I am alone with just
one other person.
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The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 19


of St. Paul University Surigao.

6. I am nervous mixing with people I


don’t know well.
7. I get nervous if I have to speak with
someone in authority (teacher, boss,
etc.).
8. I become tense if I have to talk
about myself or my feelings.
9. I am at ease meeting people at
parties, etc.
10.I have difficulty talking with other
people.

Social Self-esteem
Instructions : Please read each statement carefully and check the box that
indicates how much you agree or disagree with it based on your own feelings
and experiences. Use the following scale:
1 – Totally agree
2 – Mostly agree
3 – Neutral
4 – Mostly disagree
5 – Totally disagree
1 2 3 4 5
1. I sometimes doubt my self-worth.
2. I certainly feel pathetic at times.
3. At times I’m not that confident of
being myself.
4. I am sometimes concerned about
my appearance.
5. I have difficulty on knowing who to
trust and when to trust.
6. I sometimes blame myself for being
catcalled.
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The Impact of Cat-Calling on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction of Psychology students 20


of St. Paul University Surigao.

7. I tolerate this behavior in fear of


getting hurt and just go with it.
8. I feel like I am not worthy of
respect.
9. I sometimes wonder if I did
something to provoke the catcaller.
10.I sometimes feel powerless or
upset.

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