Bullying Locations, Power Imbalance, and Behavioral Responses: A Latent Class Analysis

• In Event: Delving into the School Context to Understanding Bullying Behavior and Responses

Abstract

Previous studies have identified specific bullying locations on school campuses and emphasized the influence of power imbalance between bullies and victims on bullying victimization. However, limited research has explored the interplay between bullying locations and power imbalance regarding victims' behavioral responses. To address this research gap, this study utilized a latent class analysis with self-reported victims of bullying (N=880) from the 2022 School Crime Supplement of the National Crime Victimization Survey. Five distinct victimization patterns were identified: high power imbalance and moderate bullying locations (Class 1), low co-occurrence (Class 2), moderate power imbalance and hallway-only (Class 3), high co-occurrence (Class 4), and moderate power imbalance and classroom-only (Class 5). Binominal logistic regression analyses showed that Class 4 victims had significantly higher odds of carrying weapons to school compared to Class 2 victims. Additionally, Class 1 and Class 4 victims exhibited significantly higher odds of experiencing fear and avoidance behaviors. These findings underscore the significance of considering subtypes of bullying victimization and their corresponding behavioral responses, taking into account power dynamics and specific bullying locations. Limitations and policy implications are discussed.

Author

• Jacky Cheuk Lap Siu, The Chinese University of Hong Kong