Interface Between School Connectedness and Peer Victimization: An Exploratory Study

• NCJ Number: 221540
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: 2007 Pages: 55-78
• Author(s): J. Neser
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: Downloaded February 13, 2008; To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select "Table of Contents"; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article; and 5) click on the "full text" icon

Annotation

This South African study examined experiences of various features of school bonding for victims of peer aggression (bullying) compared with nonvictims.

Abstract

The study found that all four dimensions of school bonding measured (school attachment, school engagement, school connection, and positive orientation to school) were strongly related to differences in the victim and nonvictim responses. Regarding school attachment, more students in the victim group found it difficult to gain social acceptance by peers and reported feeling isolated from the school's social network. The findings on school engagement showed significant differences in victims and nonvictim responses. Feelings of sadness, unhappiness, anxiety, and loneliness in the school setting were considerably higher among bullying victims compared with nonvictims. Regarding connection with the school, victims were more socially isolated and left on their own, felt more unsafe at school, and found it more difficult to establish new friendships at school. Further, a higher percentage of victims compared with nonvictims were inclined to find ways to avoid school attendance. Implications are drawn for interventions to address bullying behaviors and their harms for victims. The study sample consisted of students in grades 6,7,8,9,10, and 11 in nine primary and eight secondary schools in one district. The questionnaire, which had been pilot-tested and revised, consisted of 14 questions pertinent to experiences of peer aggression and school bonding. A total of 1,866 completed questionnaires were analyzed in order to compare the school experiences of bullying victims and nonvictims. 6 tables and 38 references