Exploring the Pattern of Sexual Harassment in Lagos State Higher Institutions: A Structural Model

This study examined the pattern of sexual harassment in higher institutions in Lagos state. Hypothesising, unlike researchers that there shall be a direct relationship between all identified categories of sexual harassment behaviours thus: physical, verbal, non-verbal and quid pro quo and sexual harassment; and the report of sexual harassment is predicted by gender, physical sexual behaviour and quid pro quo. Six hundred students randomly selected from six higher institutions in Lagos State, responded to Pattern of Sexual Harassment Questionnaire (PSHQ). Results were analysed by the use of path analysis. The produced model adequately fit the hypothesised model; the chi-square result χ2(6) = 13.02, p = 0.043 0.05, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) 0.044 0.06, the Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) 0.99, Adjusted GFI (AGFI) 0.97, Normed fit index (NFI) 0.99, Comparative fit index (CFI) 0.98 and Incremental fit index (IFI) 0.100 all 0.9 all indicate sufficient good fitness of the model. Based on the findings of the study counsellors are challenged to become more responsive than before to counselling needs of students in order to discourage sexual harassment and encourage reporting of sexual harassment.