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The Role of Adaptive Strategies in the Link Between Sexual Harassment and Burnout in Higher Education: A Three-Path Mediation Model

Author

Listed:
  • Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih

    (Management Department, College of Business Administration, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsaa 31982, Saudi Arabia)

  • Hassane Gharbi

    (Management Department, Faculté des Sciences Économiques et de Gestion de Nabeul, Université de Carthage, Carthage 1054, Tunisia)

  • Riadh Brini

    (Management Department, Faculté des Sciences Économiques et de Gestion de Nabeul, Université de Carthage, Carthage 1054, Tunisia
    Department of Business Administration, College of Business Administration, Majmaah University, Al Majma’ah 11952, Saudi Arabia)

  • Tamer M. Abdelghani

    (Social Studies Department, Faculty of Arts, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Like many other sectors, women in higher education have had negative experiences with sexual harassment. This study examines the coping mechanisms used by female lecturer/researchers and their impact on burnout. Based on Occupational Stress Theory, this research specifically analyzes the mediating role of three coping strategies, i.e., problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and avoidant coping. A quantitative survey was conducted among 800 Tunisian women teacher-researchers, with 613 complete responses that are valid for analysis. The results revealed that under the influence of sexual harassment, women in Tunisian higher education institutions suffer increased burnout. Structural equation analysis shows that emotion-focused coping has a partial mediation effect, while avoidant coping fully mediates the link between harassment and burnout. This research adds to the literature on sexual harassment and suggests implications for the prevention and support of victims in higher education institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih & Hassane Gharbi & Riadh Brini & Tamer M. Abdelghani, 2025. "The Role of Adaptive Strategies in the Link Between Sexual Harassment and Burnout in Higher Education: A Three-Path Mediation Model," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-18, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:2:p:27-:d:1581550
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hassane Gharbi & Nadir Aliane & Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih, 2022. "I Trust You: Does This Matter in the Relationship between Sexual Harassment, Continuous Commitment and Intention to Leave among Young Female Healthcare Professionals?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-13, March.
    2. Hassane Gharbi & Nadir Aliane & Khaled A. Al Falah & Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih, 2022. "You Really Affect Me: The Role of Social Influence in the Relationship between Procedural Justice and Turnover Intention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-13, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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