A Qualitative Exploration of a Biopsychosocial Profile for Experiencing Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sports

Mercede van Voorthuizen, Irene Renate Faber, Daphne van de Bongardt and Nicolette Schipper- van Veldhoven
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Mercede van Voorthuizen: Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Irene Renate Faber: Research Centre Human Movement and Education, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, 8017 CA Zwolle, The Netherlands
Daphne van de Bongardt: Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Nicolette Schipper- van Veldhoven: Research Centre Human Movement and Education, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, 8017 CA Zwolle, The Netherlands

Social Sciences, 2022, vol. 11, issue 7, 1-13

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore a biopsychosocial profile for experiencing sexual harassment and abuse in sports. A qualitative approach was used; data were collected from semi-structured in-depth interviews covering seven cases of sexual harassment and abuse in sports in the Netherlands. The interview transcripts were analysed and aligned with the biopsychosocial model. The results reveal biological (i.e., aged under 18, sex, and sexual orientation), psychological (i.e., high degree of naivety, altruism and agreeableness, low self-esteem, perfectionism, emotional or disorders) and social factors (i.e., poor or negative relationship with parents, social pressure to perform, incest at home, social isolation, elite sports and too much power of a single trainer/coach) that can contribute to the risk of experiencing sexual harassment and abuse in sports. These findings provide important directions for prevention and recognition in sports practice and future research.

Keywords: sexual harassment; sexual abuse; biopsychosocial model; organised sports; qualitative study (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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