Bias-Related Harassment and Violence Perpetration on College Campuses: A Multivariate Model of Affective Predictors

• In Event: Lightning Talk: Victimization

Abstract

On-campus hate crime and bias-related harassment disproportionately affect minoritized students in college and university settings. Bias victimization can lead to greater academic difficulties, social isolation, and mental health symptoms (Mengo & Black, 2016). Compared to literature on bias victimization, the existing evidence regarding bias perpetration is notably limited. Available studies suggest that affective predictors (e.g., anger, disgust) are associated with bias-related attitudes (Kiss et al., 2020); however, further study is needed to identify variables that predict offending behavior. The current study provides descriptive information regarding on-campus bias perpetration and examines affective predictors using a sample of 1,526 undergraduate students. Results revealed that 4.5% of students endorsed engaging in on-campus bias-related perpetration. The most common behaviors were directing verbal harassment (61%), threatening physical assault (24%), and sending offensive letters/emails (17%). A binary logistic regression successfully distinguished participants who engaged in on-campus bias from those who did not (X2=51.17; Nagelkerke R2=.11; p<.001) and identified lack of emotional awareness and clarity, physical aggression proneness, and male identity as significant predictors of on-campus bias (all ps<.05). Disgust did not emerge as significant. Implications for risk assessment and future directions for research will be discussed.

Authors

• Patrick T. McGonigal, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Elisha Chan, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Madeline M. Eyer, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Mario J. Scalora, University of Nebraska - Lincoln