Which of the following statements is true of hostile environment harassment?

• A. It is not considered a form of discrimination under psychological diagnostic criteria.
• B. It requires that the harasser be in a position of authority over the victim.
• C. It occurs when unwelcome conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
• D. It only applies if the harassment results in economic harm, such as loss of wages.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of hostile environment harassment. It refers to unwelcome conduct in the workplace that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for the victim.
2. Step 2: Recognize that hostile environment harassment is a form of discrimination under legal and psychological frameworks, even if it is not classified as a psychological diagnosis itself.
3. Step 3: Note that hostile environment harassment does NOT require the harasser to be in a position of authority; it can be perpetrated by coworkers, supervisors, or others.
4. Step 4: Understand that the harassment does not need to result in economic harm (like loss of wages) to be considered hostile environment harassment; the key factor is the creation of a hostile or offensive environment.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the true statement is the one describing hostile environment harassment as occurring when unwelcome conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.