Bullying and Students With Disabilities: Exploring Psychosocial Predictors

• In Event: Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: Special Education and Social Well-Being of Students

Abstract

This study used structural equation modeling to examine the predictive nature of depression, hostility, and self-esteem on victimization, bullying, fighting, bully-victimization, and reactive-victimization for a diverse sample of 1,183 adolescents with disabilities. Results suggest that victimization predicted bullying and fighting. Additionally, lower levels of depression and higher levels of hostility predicted bullying and fighting; higher levels of depression, hostility, and lower levels of self-esteem predicted higher levels of victimization. Finally, higher levels of depression, hostility, and lower levels of self-esteem predicted bully-victim and reactive-victim status. Therefore, schools should begin to incorporate targeted interventions that address skill development, social and emotional learning, and emotion regulation to address escalated rates of bullying involvement for youth with disabilities.

Authors

• Chad Allen Rose, University of Missouri - Columbia

• Cynthia G. Simpson, Houston Baptist University

• June L. Preast, University of Missouri - Columbia

• Christopher D. Slaten, University of Missouri - Columbia