Teasing and Risk-Taking Behavior in Male and Female High School Adolescents

• In Event: 66.073 - Bullying and School Violence Prevention: Scholarly Discourse on School Safety

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the roles of gender and self-esteem in the relations between various forms of teasing victimization and externalizing behavior. Within a sample of 651 high school students, males reported significantly more externalizing behavior, and higher self-esteem than females. Several associations between teasing victimization and externalizing behavior were moderated by gender. Self-esteem mediated relations between teasing victimization and alcohol consumption for females only. These findings can help promote a positive school climate and culture by providing more precise methods of detection, intervention, and prevention of harmful teasing. Teachers may gain new insight into the nuance of teasing on specific students.

Authors

• David Gregg, Wayne State University

• Cheryl Leigh Somers, Wayne State University

• Francesca Pernice-Duca, Wayne State University

• Kimberly Van Dale