Gender-Based Street and Public Spaces Experience and Women’s Psychosocial Well-Being

Abstract

Gender-based street harassment remains a pervasive issue that threatens women’s safety, dignity, and psychosocial well-being, particularly in public spaces where gendered power relations are often normalized. This study examined the relationship between gender-based street and public space experiences and women’s psychosocial well-being among female criminology students at Yllana Bay View College, Pagadian City, Philippines. Using a quantitative descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 215 third-year female criminology students through a structured questionnaire measuring experiences of catcalling, wolf-whistling, and unwanted invitations, as well as emotional, social, and psychological well-being. Statistical analyses included frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and Kendall’s tau-B correlation coefficient. Findings revealed that gender-based street harassment was experienced at a moderate level, with unwanted invitations having the highest prevalence (WM = 3.2), followed by catcalling (WM = 3.1) and wolf-whistling (WM = 3.0). Meanwhile, respondents reported high levels of psychosocial well-being overall (WM = 3.6), although exposure to harassment remained a concern. Correlation analysis showed a statistically significant but weak positive relationship between gender-based street harassment and psychosocial well-being (τ = 0.166, p = 0.000), indicating that increased exposure to harassment was significantly associated with psychosocial outcomes. The findings highlight the persistent presence of gender-based harassment and its measurable psychosocial implications. The study underscores the need for strengthened institutional interventions, gender-sensitive policies, and educational programs to promote safer public spaces and protect women’s psychosocial well-being.