Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Bullying behaviors in school settings have been linked to many detrimental factors for societies, families, and individuals (Copich, 2012). These factors include low school performance, long-term emotional damage, somatic symptoms, and criminal behaviors (Copich, 2012). Bullying prevention programs increase awareness of this problem and demonstrate that trained school personnel and counseling departments can help to mitigate some of the damages of bullying behaviors. This project is designed to intervene, prevent, and treat individuals and schools affected by bullying behaviors to create a safer climate for all students. The intervention utilizes research that links earlier attachment styles, modeled behavior and family therapy to bullying behavior. This intervention also considers that bullies need assistance and guidance, as they are most likely suffering (Shallcross, 2013). This program seeks to implement trainings for school personnel, school counselors, and marriage and family therapists to better assist all those (bullies, bystanders and victims) that are encountering school bullying. The intervention program also suggests new screening tools to track behaviors to safeguard schools. Suggestions for future research into the field are provided. This program plans to increase empathy and social skills for students as well as train students in effective responses to bullying behaviors. By cultivating a different school climate by having a responsive, trained staff and volunteers, the program aims to facilitate better mental health and increase pro-social ethics for students.
Author: Andrea M. Kotok
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1885198540