NCJ Number
239794
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 26 Issue: 8 Dated: May 2011 Pages: 1664-1693
Date Published
May 2011
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This study examined causes of bullying behavior.
Abstract
The aim of this study is to identify an ecological prediction model of bullying behaviors. Based on an ecological systems theory, this study identifies significant factors influencing bullying behaviors at different levels of middle and high school. These levels include the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem. More specifically, the ecological factors investigated in this multilevel analysis are individual traits, family experiences, parental involvement, school climate, and community characteristics. Using data collected in 2008 from 485 randomly selected students in a school district, this study identifies a best-fitting structural model of bullying behavior. Findings suggest that the ecological model accounted for a high portion of variance in bullying behaviors. All of the ecological systems as well as individual traits were found to be significant influences on bullying behaviors either directly or indirectly. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.