184280 Comprehending school bullying and current interventions: Research for Clarian Health of Indiana

Tuesday, October 28, 2008: 9:30 AM

Emily K. Lynch , Department of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Jennifer Alyea , Department of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Ramzi Nimry , Department of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Stephanie Berry , Health Promotions and Community Relations, Clarian Health, Indianapolis, IN
Sarah Ketterer, MPH CHES , Health Promotions and Community Relations, Clarian Health, Indianapolis, IN
Joan Henkle, DNS, RN , School of Medicine Department of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
In response to Clarian Health of Indiana's need for knowledge on school bullying and prevention, research was conducted to 1.) define bullying, types, and spectrum of involvement 2.) recognize the impact of bullying on those involved including communities and 3.) analyze current bullying prevention programs. A literature review was conducted to gain knowledge on the topic of school bullying. Furthermore, key informant interviews were conducted through public schools, anti-violence organizations, and government agencies throughout the Indiana state to assess qualitative opinions on bullying. Bullying is classified as an aggressive behavior that causes physical and/or mental distress, occurs repeatedly, and is an imbalance of power and strength in a relationship. Types include verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Other forms have manifested through isolation, humiliation, and electronic/cyber bullying. Those involved in bullying are categorized into four main groups including pure bullies, pure victims, bully-victims, and the uninvolved. However, other literature further divides pure bullies into specific types. Bullies have higher crime convictions and serve more prison time as adults than non-bullies. Yet, common psychological issues affect both bullies and victims such as low self-esteem, depression, and increased suicidal ideation. Research shows that multidisciplinary, “whole-school” interventions are proven more effective than curriculum-based approaches in schools. An example of this is the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, which has been championed as the “Gold Standard” intervention. Further research suggests widening the borders of school bullying interventions by targeting special interest victims such as gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender children and special education children.

Learning Objectives:
1. Define bullying, the culprit, and the victim. 2. Understand the gravity of impact on those involved and on the community as a whole. 3. Discuss and analyze research pertaining to current programs aimed at reducing bullying in schools.

Keywords: Youth Violence, School Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I, a MPH candidate, co-authored and participated in the research of this community project in conjunction with Clarian Health of Indiana and the IU School of Medicine, Department of Public. Health.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.