On the Importance of Externalized Behaviors, Guardians and Handlers in the Understanding of School Violence

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

School violence is a major concern for public authorities. While most studies have investigated factors associated with the manifestation of violent behaviors, few studies have focused on factors associated with victimization. Among known risk factors, internalized and externalized behaviors, low self-regard, anxiousness and depression increase the risk of being a victim of violence at school. Our study (N=838) aims to investigate the role of externalized behaviors, involvement of third parties (such as guardians and handlers) and institutional factors (school size) to improve our knowledge about the risk of victimization at school. Based on multi-level linear modeling, our results show that externalized behaviors - such as hitting and threatening other pupils - increase the risk of victimization (ORs varying between 1.8 and 10.8). Involvement of third parties (guardians, pupils) decreases the risk of victimization (OR=0.6). Self-defence and vengeance were also associated with a lower risk of future episodes of victimization. Asking help from a teacher increases the risk of reprisal from classmates. Results highlight the need to conceptualize victimization as a function of interactions between aggressors, victims and third parties. Our study support Bronfenbrenner’s model and adapts it to school violence problem.

Authors

• Anne-Marie Cote, Université de Montréal

• Etienne Blais, Université de Montréal

• Frédéric Ouellet, Université de Montréal