School-Level Predictors of Homophobic Name-Calling and Sexual Harassment Victimization/Perpetration Among Middle School Youth

• In Event: 73.062 - Poster Session 17
  In Poster Session: 73.062-5 - Current Topics in Counseling and Education

Abstract

Using multi-informant, multilevel modeling, this study examines the association between staff perceptions of school environment and student self-reports of homophobic name-calling and sexual harassment. Surveys were conducted with 1,447 teachers and staff and 3,616 6th grade students across 36 Midwestern middle schools. In a model with all school environment scales entered together, school commitment to prevent bullying was associated with less sexual harassment perpetration. Higher perceived gender equity and intolerance of sexual harassment at the school level was associated with fewer reported experiences of homophobic name-calling perpetration and victimization and sexual harassment perpetration. We conclude that efforts to address gendered harassment should include support from the school administration, professional development, and a culture that is intolerant of sexual harassment.

Authors

• Sarah J Rinehart, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Dorothy L. Espelage, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign