Experiences of Women Coping With Catcalling Experiences in New York City: A Pilot Study

Awareness of sexual harassment in various forms continues to increase. However, literature on street harassment, such as catcalling, is less explored. A constructivist grounded theory and narrative approach was used to better understand the experiences of catcalled women by analyzing a publicly available online blog. This study included 11 female participants who journaled for 2 weeks about their catcalling experiences, which included feeling unsafe, blaming themselves, and questioning the legitimacy of the encounter. A preliminary model was developed illustrating the participants’ experiences, reactions, and coping behaviors to being catcalled. Our model included four sequential stages: (1) Preparation for Potential Catcall; (2) Catcalling Experience; (3) Response; and (4) Coping Efforts. Clinical interventions for women who have experienced being catcalled are discussed.