Examination of the Predictors of Latent Class Typologies of Bullying Involvement Among Middle School Students

• NCJ Number: 239405
• Journal: Journal of School Violence Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: January - March 2012 Pages: 75-93
• Author(s): Peter J. Lovegrove; Kimberly L. Henry; Michael D. Slater
• Date Published: January 2012
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study employed latent class analysis to construct bullying involvement typologies among students in 40 middle schools.

Abstract

This study employs latent class analysis to construct bullying involvement typologies among 3,114 students (48 percent male, 58 percent White) in 40 middle schools across the United States. Four classes were constructed: victims (15 percent); bullies (13 percent); bully/victims (13 percent); and noninvolved (59 percent). Respondents who were male and participated in fewer conventional activities were more likely to be members of the victims class. Students who were African-American and reported being less successful at school had a higher likelihood of membership in the bullies class. Bully/victims shared characteristics with bullies and victims: Students with more feelings of anger toward others and a higher tendency toward sensation-seeking had a higher likelihood of membership in the bullies and bully/victims classes, whereas lower levels of social inclusion was associated with membership in the victims and bully/victims classes. Published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.