PERCEPTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AMONG FEMALE ATHLETES PARTICIPATING IN TEAM SPORTS IN THE NORTHERN CYPRUS

Deniz Erdağ^*Mehmet ÖzeriçBingül Harmancı

• Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus

This study aims to reveal the multidimensional nature of gender inequality in sports by examining female athletes' perceptions of coach behavior, their reactions to sexual harassment in sports, their ambivalent sexist tendencies, and their attitudes toward sexual harassment. The research employed the survey method, one of the quantitative research designs. Data were collected using the Socio-Demographic Information Form, Reactions to Sexual Harassment in Sports Scale, Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, and Attitudes Toward Sexual Harassment Scale. Findings revealed no statistically significant differences in the total and subscale scores of the Coach Behavior List and in the Reactions to Sexual Harassment in Sports across different age groups. However, significant differences were found in total and subscale scores of the Coach Behavior List based on the athletes' sports disciplines. Handball players reported lower scores in the subscales of sexual behaviors and noninstructional threatening behaviors, indicating less exposure to such conduct. Furthermore, when comparing disciplines, football and basketball players demonstrated stronger emotional reactions to sexual harassment compared to handball players. This suggests that gender norms may be less dominant in certain sports. The findings highlight the necessity for multilayered interventions to empower women in sports and raise awareness about harassment.