What are the differences in empathy, self-esteem, and social connectedness for middle school students exhibiting bullying behaviors?

Graduation Date

2015

Document Type

Project

Program

Other

Program

Project (M.S.W.)--Humboldt State University, Social Work, 2015

Committee Chair Name

Jennifer Maguire

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Humboldt State University -- Projects -- Social Work, Students, Self-esteem, Empathy, Middle school, Social connectedness, Bullying

Abstract

Bullying in schools creates an unsafe environment, not only for those experiencing bullying, for all those around and who are witness to it. Some of the health issues associated with bullying are anxiety, depression, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, an observable decrease in academic achievement and school participation, and suicidal thoughts and attempts. In fact, children who attend schools in which bullying occurs are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school. The purpose of this study is to find the differences in empathy, self-esteem, and social connectedness for middle school aged students exhibiting bullying behavior. Questionnaires were provided to 72 middle school students in order to assess levels of empathy, self-esteem, and social connectedness. There were no statistically significant results found from this study. However, trends were identified and research supports a connection between empathy, self-esteem and social connectedness in youth who exhibit bullying behavior and youth who are victims of bullying. This work proves to be useful for social workers, and school social workers especially, in order to address the youth they work with and help to create safer school environments.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/3r074x15g

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