Year: 2010
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Peer relationships play an important role in psycho-social development of \nadolescents. Being a victim of bullying can have profound, life-long effects on selfesteem; \nleading to depression, social isolation and suicidal ideation. Text message \nbullying is a relatively new form of aggression with few studies documenting its \nincidence, prevalence and affects on overall mental health. In order for school personnel \nto implement effective anti-bullying programs, a knowledge base must be established. \nThis study collects data on incidence and prevalence of traditional and text message \nbullying and victimization and seeks to determine if there is a relationship to school \nconnectedness and depression. This study is cross-sectional and employs a descriptive and correlational design \nwith data collected via a self-report, anonymous survey and did not involve treatment or \nintervention. High school students at a small rural high school were invited to participate in the written survey through their English classes. Parental consent was required for \nstudents under 18 years. Final data included N=102 students. Approximately 25% of surveyed students reported being bullied by text message \nbullying. A strong overlap between victims of traditional and text message bullying was \nfound. There is a positive relationship between being bullied (both traditionally and \nelectronically) and reported symptoms of depression. There is a strong negative \nrelationship between being bullied and feeling connected to school. This study \ncontributes important data to the field of adolescent bullying and may be helpful in the \ndesign of effective, comprehensive, intervention programs.
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2289655258