Peer-Victimization and School Safety: The Contribution of Coping Efficacy

• In Event: Issues and Interventions in School Safety

Abstract

The current paper examined the effect of coping efficacy on the relationship between peer-victimization and student perceptions of school safety. Students completed surveys regarding how safe they feel at school, perceptions of victimization, and how confident they are in utilizing problem-focused coping strategies (coping efficacy). Results indicated that there was a small negative effect of victimization and feelings of school safety. There was a small positive effect of coping efficacy on feelings of school safety. Finally, coping efficacy appeared to act as a suppressor on the relationship between victimization and feelings of school safety, suggesting that higher levels of coping efficacy may decrease the association between victimization and feelings of school safety. Implications for practice and future research will be discussed.

Authors

• Leandra N. Parris, Georgia State University

• Christopher R Harper, Georgia State University

• Kris Varjas, Georgia State University