Level of Bonding to School and Perception of the School Environment by Bullies, Victims, and Bully Victims

Abstract

Commitment and attachment to school and perception of school norms were examined in a sample of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders to determine whether bullies, victims, bully victims, and students who reported no or low levels of bullying and victimization differed in their level of bonding to school and their perceptions of standards and expectations for behavior in the school environment (protective factors). Risk factors for bullying were also examined. Results of a discriminant analysis demonstrated differences among the groups on the measures of risk and protective factors and perception of school norms. The grouping of variables differentiated between the comparison group and the bully, victim, and bully victim groups on a dimension of healthy functioning indicated by low risk for bullying and an investment in prosocial behaviors and beliefs. The results have implications for schools in promoting prosocial bonding through the development of academic, emotional, and social competence.