Temporal Aspects of Moral Disengagement in School Bullying: Crystallization or Escalation?

• NCJ Number: 245857
• Journal: Journal of School Violence Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: 2013 Pages: 193-210
• Author(s): Marie-Louise Obermann
• Date Published: 2013
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated the stability and change in bullying behavior and their relation to increases and decreases in moral disengagement.

Abstract

This study investigated the stability and change in bullying behavior and their relation to increases and decreases in moral disengagement, specifically exploring whether crystallization and escalation of disengagement occur. Within a 1-year span, two sets of data were collected. A total of 567 sixth to eighth graders participated in both data collections by completing questionnaires on self-reported bullying, peer-nominated bullying, and moral disengagement. Time 1 self-reported bullying and changes in self-reported bullying significantly influenced changes in moral disengagement. Support was found for the crystallization hypothesis because the levels of moral disengagement of the desisted bullies did not decrease significantly. No conclusive support was found for the escalation hypothesis because levels of moral disengagement of the stable bullies did not increase. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.