Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Young Adulthood and Mental Health Outcomes

Samuel J. Mann, Anthony Rodriguez, Eric R. Pedersen, Wendy M. Troxel, Daniel Siconolfi, Elizabeth J. D'Amico

ResearchPosted on rand.org Sep 14, 2026Published in: JAMA Network Open, Volume 9, No. 9, e2632514 (September 2026). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.32514

Sexual harassment (nonphysical, eg, rumors or comments) and abuse (intimidation or physical contact) is common and associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Existing studies rely on retrospective or cross-sectional data, limiting assessment of how mental health changes dynamically around the timing of harassment or abuse. Characterizing mental health trajectories before and after sexual harassment and abuse is important for distinguishing consequences of sexual harassment and abuse from preexisting vulnerability.

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Document Details

  • Copyright: Samuel J. Mann, Anthony Rodriguez, Eric R. Pedersen, Wendy M. Troxel, Daniel Siconolfi, Elizabeth J. D’Amico ; Open Access
  • Publisher: JAMA Network
  • Availability: Non-RAND
  • Year: 2026
  • Pages: 5
  • Document Number: EP-71490

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