Abstract:
Bullying behavior has problematic psychosocial ramifications for the bully,
victim, and bully/victims; these included issues with self-conceptions, perceived social
support, and affect. Research has found that, if one can influence these psychosocial
components, one may be able to reduce the potential for being victimized. The Bully
Prevention Challenge Course Curriculum [BPCCC] was created to address bully
behaviors in a 7th grade middle school class. In this study, two Oregon middle schools,
one that received the BPCCC and one that did not, were examined in regards to selfconceptions,
perceived social support, affect, victimization, and knowledge about
bullying behaviors. The four main purposes of the study were to determine the
following: prevalence of victimization at the two schools; application of Harter’s
mediation model of self-worth to victimization; effectiveness of the BPCCC in
changing self-conceptions, perceived social support, affect, victimization, and
knowledge about bully behaviors; and, finally, effectiveness of the BPCCC in the
words of the students and staff directly involved in the intervention. Results showed
victimization was present at both schools, although at a low to moderate level; the data
did not provide a good fit with Harter’s model of self-worth; the BPCCC was effective
in changing only the knowledge base of bully behavior; and the students and staff
involved found many benefits of the program including increased perceived social
support, improved feelings of self-worth, and the creation of a common language and
references to use between students and adults when talking about expected behaviors.
Future studies should utilize larger sample sizes, test for bully behaviors in addition to
victimization, differentiate between victims, bullies, and bully/victims, and perhaps
use a broader measure of affect. Also, as recommended by the students and staff
involved, the BPCCC should be continued and revisited throughout the school year by
training teachers to be knowledgeable about facilitation techniques and activities.
