Efectos psicosociales de la violencia de género en la universidad. Un estudio con estudiantes de las diversidades sexo-genéricas que viven en Quito

Abstract

Gender violence can affect all people regardless of social context or age and is found in all areas of life. Within the university context, people belonging to gender diversity are the most likely to receive this type of violence, which affects not only their mental health, but also their academic performance. The objective of this research is to identify the psychological sequelae and the affectation to academic performance caused by gender violence in university students of the LGBTIQ+ community between 18 and 25 years old in the universities of Quito. To this end the research question has been: ¿What are the psychological sequelae caused by gender violence in female university students of the LGBTIQ+ community, between 18 and 25 years old in the universities of Quito and how do these sequelae affect their emotional well-being and academic performance? In order to answer the question, a mixed approach was used in which, on the qualitative side, semi-structured interviews were conducted with students of different gender identities and testimonies were collected that reflect experiences of violence, psychological effects and effects on their academic performance. On the quantitative side, data were taken from a survey conducted by the Inter-University Network of Feminist Research that allowed collecting data on gender violence in university students. The results revealed that students belonging to the LGBTIQ+ community who have experienced some type of gender violence, present symptoms of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, such as feelings of sadness, anguish, difficulties to concentrate, among others. This has led students to present academic difficulties due to their emotional state, evidenced in high levels of presenteeism and cases of absenteeism motivated by an unsafe environment for them. With this we conclude the importance of implementing psychological support strategies, as well as inclusive policies to mitigate the impact of gender violence on students of gender diversity and the creation of safe spaces for emotional support and strengthening support networks