The Construction and Measurement of the Multidimensional Bullying and Teasing Scale: A Semantic Differential Study

• In Event: New Methods, Theories and Measures in Interpersonal Communication

Abstract

Bullying and teasing have long been portrayed as similar communicative behaviors with varying levels of intensity. Targets of the behaviors are often conjointly associated with self-esteem issues, mental health struggles, lowered academic and work performance, and even increases in violent behavior. However, unlike bullying, teasing is often seen as a potentially positive activity that can result in higher quality relationships and increased social skills. Thus, utilizing semantic differential scales, as well as measures of humor, and identification of gender, this study seeks to untangle the underlying differences between perceptions of teasing and bullying. Using 201 students, findings indicate that bullying and teasing share many facets: they are both seen independently as a) negative, b) concrete, and c) frequent. However, it is clear that bullying is overall more negative, though somewhat less concrete and frequent. Males are less likely to perceive both bullying and teasing as negative than females, and they also tend to perceive both as less frequent and common.

Authors

• Carol B. Mills

• Yeojin Kim, Central Connnecticut State University