Deconstructing Bullying: An Empirical Comparison Between the Constructs of Traditional and Electronic Aggression

• In Event: Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Student Bullying and Victimization Roundtable

Abstract

Using data from two studies, this work used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to explore electronic and traditional aggression . The first study revealed a clear distinction between traditional bullying and victimization. For electronic aggression and electronic-victimization the findings were more ambiguous. To explore this further, a second study was conducted using a more precise measure. Here, the factor structures of the analyses did not differentiate between bullies, victims, and witnesses, as is typical of traditional bullying. Rather, for electronic aggression, items were differentiated according to method (i.e. sending aggressive messages or posting embarrassing photos), rather than role (i.e. bully, victim, witness). Overall, electronic aggression functions differently from traditional bullying. This distinction has important policy and educational implications.

Authors

• Danielle M. Law, Wilfrid Laurier University

• Jenna D. Shapka, The University of British Columbia

• Brent F. Olson, The University of British Columbia

• Shelley C. Hymel, The University of British Columbia