Having a strong support system is crucial for students to adapt and survive

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 20 views

An Overview of Resilience to Students Surrounding Sexual Harassment within the Scope of the University in Medan City

Sexual harassment is a traumatic event that can occur to anyone, including students, especially when the incident occurred in the campus environment. Ideally, the university should be a safe and comfortable place for students to learn, but in reality, this is often not met. For survivors who are still living their lives as students, they are required to immediately adapt so as not to interfere with academic activities. The ability to adapt and survive is known as resilience. Resilience is a crucial factor in overcoming the psychological effects of sexual harassment, and it is essential to understand its concept and sources.

Understanding Resilience

Resilience is the ability of individuals to rise and adapt after experiencing various pressures, including trauma. In the context of sexual harassment students, resilience can be an important factor in overcoming the psychological effects of this painful experience. According to the theory of resilience put forward by Reivich and Shatte, there are some skills that survivors need to have in order to reach the optimal resilience stage. These skills are essential for students to adapt and survive in the face of trauma.

Resilience Sources

In a qualitative phenomenological study conducted on students of survivors of sexual harassment in the city of Medan, it was revealed that one of the subjects studied, kindergarten, only had three important skills to build resilience. The three resilience sources include:

External Support: Social support from friends, family, and campus institutions is very instrumental in helping survivors overcome traumatic experiences. A supportive environment can provide a sense of security and increase student confidence. Having a strong support system is crucial for students to adapt and survive.
Personal Abilities: The ability of individuals to recognize emotions and manage it well is also important in the process of adapting. This includes self-awareness and the ability to reflect on experiences experienced. Self-awareness and emotional regulation are essential skills for students to overcome trauma.
Skills to Overcome Problems and Interpersonal Relationships: Having skills in solving problems and the ability to interact with others positively is the key to building resilience. This skill helps students to find solutions to the problems encountered and build a network of support. Effective problem-solving and interpersonal skills are crucial for students to adapt and survive.

Impact of Resilience on Student Life

Strong resilience not only has an impact on students' mental health, but also on their academic performance. Students who are able to manage stress and trauma well tend to have higher learning motivation and can actively participate in campus activities. With the right support, they can take advantage of bad experiences as an opportunity to grow and develop, making them more resilient. Resilience is a key factor in students' academic success and overall well-being.

The Role of Universities in Supporting Resilience

Universities have a crucial role in supporting students who have experienced sexual harassment. They can provide a safe and supportive environment, access to resources, and counseling services. Universities must take a proactive approach in supporting students who have experienced trauma. By providing a supportive environment, universities can help students to build resilience and overcome the psychological effects of sexual harassment.

Conclusion

A description of resilience to students of survivors of sexual harassment at universities in Medan shows that although they face heavy challenges, there is hope to rise and adapt well. It is essential for universities to provide an environment that supports and access to resources that can help students in this process. With the right understanding and support, survivors can find strength in themselves and continue the academic journey and personal life more positively. Universities must take a proactive approach in supporting students who have experienced trauma.

Recommendations

Based on the study, the following recommendations are made:

Universities must provide a safe and supportive environment for students who have experienced sexual harassment.
Access to resources and counseling services must be provided to support students in building resilience.
Training and education must be provided to students, faculty, and staff on how to support students who have experienced trauma.
A zero-tolerance policy must be implemented to address sexual harassment on campus.
A support system must be established to provide ongoing support to students who have experienced trauma.

By implementing these recommendations, universities can provide a supportive environment for students who have experienced sexual harassment and help them to build resilience and overcome the psychological effects of trauma. Universities must take a proactive approach in supporting students who have experienced trauma.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Resilience to Students Surrounding Sexual Harassment

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of resilience in overcoming the psychological effects of sexual harassment on students. We also explored the sources of resilience and the impact of resilience on student life. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about resilience to students surrounding sexual harassment.

Q: What is resilience, and why is it important for students who have experienced sexual harassment?

A: Resilience is the ability of individuals to rise and adapt after experiencing various pressures, including trauma. It is essential for students who have experienced sexual harassment to build resilience in order to overcome the psychological effects of this painful experience.

Q: What are the sources of resilience for students who have experienced sexual harassment?

A: The three resilience sources include:

External Support: Social support from friends, family, and campus institutions is very instrumental in helping survivors overcome traumatic experiences.
Personal Abilities: The ability of individuals to recognize emotions and manage it well is also important in the process of adapting.
Skills to Overcome Problems and Interpersonal Relationships: Having skills in solving problems and the ability to interact with others positively is the key to building resilience.

Q: How can universities support students who have experienced sexual harassment?

A: Universities can provide a safe and supportive environment, access to resources, and counseling services. They can also provide training and education on how to support students who have experienced trauma.

Q: What are the benefits of building resilience for students who have experienced sexual harassment?

A: Building resilience can help students to overcome the psychological effects of trauma, improve their mental health, and enhance their academic performance. It can also help them to develop a positive outlook on life and build a strong support system.

Q: How can students build resilience after experiencing sexual harassment?

A: Students can build resilience by:

Seeking support from friends, family, and campus institutions.
Developing self-awareness and emotional regulation skills.
Building a support network of friends and peers.
Engaging in activities that promote physical and mental well-being.
Seeking professional help from counselors or therapists.

Q: What are the signs of resilience in students who have experienced sexual harassment?

A: The signs of resilience in students who have experienced sexual harassment include:

Improved mental health: Students who have built resilience are more likely to experience improved mental health, including reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Enhanced academic performance: Students who have built resilience are more likely to experience improved academic performance, including higher grades and increased motivation.
Increased self-esteem: Students who have built resilience are more likely to experience increased self-esteem and confidence.
Improved relationships: Students who have built resilience are more likely to experience improved relationships with friends, family, and peers.

Q: How can universities measure the effectiveness of their support services for students who have experienced sexual harassment?

A: Universities can measure the effectiveness of their support services by:

Conducting surveys to assess student satisfaction with support services.
Collecting data on student outcomes, including mental health and academic performance.
Evaluating the impact of support services on student resilience and well-being.
Conducting focus groups to gather feedback from students on support services.

By understanding the importance of resilience and the sources of resilience, universities can provide effective support services to students who have experienced sexual harassment.