V3I6P19

The Role of Catcalling in Shaping Self-Esteem and Body Dissatisfaction among Indian Men and Women

Sandra Sajeev^1*, Pallavi Radhakrishnan²

Abstract

The study conducted follows a primary objective of empirically identifying the possible implications catcalling can have on shaping body image and self-esteem in men and women in India. It comprises of a thorough investigation into whether females had a higher impact on their self esteem and body image post an episode of catcalling, in comparison to men. Using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale and the Body Appreciation Scale, 301 young adults’ scores were collected using convenient sampling. The data analysis using two-way ANOVA revealed that catcalling did have a significant correlation with both self-esteem and body image. On further analysis, it was identified that women had a lower self esteem and a more negative body image after instances of catcalling, in comparison to men. From working on a gender inclusive basis, the study opened the space to conduct more studies to bring a difference in the research as well as pose clinical implications.

Keywords:

Street-Harassment, Catcalling, Self-Esteem, Body Image Dissatisfaction, Indian Population