Perceived Sexism, Self-Silencing and Psychological Distress in Young Women

Abstract

Self-silencing and perceived sexism are assumed to be among the significant aspects that impact the mental health of women. This paper identifies the linkage between self-silencing behavior, perceived sexism of young women and their psychological distress. Sexism in young Pakistani women leads to the escalating self-destructive practices as a consequence of shifting numerous forms of mental health issues. In a cross-sectional survey design, the purposive sampling method was used. The sample consisted of n=250 Pakistani women in the age category of 18-29 years. A mediation analysis to evaluate the relationship between perceived sexism and psychological distress. The mediators were women’s preference for self-silence. It was found that both recent and lifetime experiences of perceived sexism were significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress. The self- silencing was significantly and positively associated with psychological distress in both models. In contrast, perceived sexism was not significantly associated with self-silencing, and the mediation analyses did not support self-silencing as a significant mediator of the relationship between perceived sexism and psychological distress. These findings suggest that the solution to undo the psychological effects of perceived sexism might lie in the solution to self-silencing behaviors. However, it does not explain the association between perceived sexism and distress as a mediator. The current study suggests that to attain the goal of reducing self-silencing and its adverse effects, it is necessary to have programs aimed at personal and organizational levels. The tendency toward self-suppressing behaviors and psychological toll can potentially be decreased by the interventions that involve youth empowerment, peer support, and systemic educational programs regarding sexism and gender equality.