Ecological Systems Approach to Bullying Behaviors Among Middle School Students in the United States

• NCJ Number: 239794
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 26 Issue: 8 Dated: May 2011 Pages: 1664-1693
• Author(s): Chang-Hun Lee
• Date Published: May 2011
• Length: 30 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: University of Arkansas at Little Rock
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

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.