Sarah A Stoddard1, Jorge J Varela, Marc A Zimmerman. 1. Sarah A. Stoddard, PhD, RN, CNP, is Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jorge J. Varela, MS, is Doctoral Student, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Marc A. Zimmerman, PhD, is Professor, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hopeful future expectations have been linked to positive developmental outcomes in adolescence; however, the association between future expectations and bullying perpetration has received less attention. OBJECTIVES: We examined the relationship between future expectations and physical and relational bullying perpetration and tested a mediation model that linked future expectations with bullying through attitude toward violence. METHODS: Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationship between future expectations and bullying perpetration (relational and physical) and to test whether these relationships were mediated by attitude toward violence in a sample of U.S. seventh-grade students (Mage = 12.86 years, N = 196, 60% female, 46% African American). RESULTS: Attitude toward violence fully mediated the relationship between future expectations and physical bullying (indirect effects = -0.08, 95% CI [-0.15, -0.01], R = .17). The relationship between future expectations and relational bullying was partially mediated by attitudes toward violence (indirect effects = -0.07, 95% CI [-0.14, -0.002], R = .20). DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that future expectations can play a role in reducing attitude toward violence and physical and relational bullying perpetration among youth. Interventions that help support the development of future goals and aspirations could play a vital role in bullying prevention efforts.
BACKGROUND: Hopeful future expectations have been linked to positive developmental outcomes in adolescence; however, the association between future expectations and bullying perpetration has received less attention. OBJECTIVES: We examined the relationship between future expectations and physical and relational bullying perpetration and tested a mediation model that linked future expectations with bullying through attitude toward violence. METHODS: Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationship between future expectations and bullying perpetration (relational and physical) and to test whether these relationships were mediated by attitude toward violence in a sample of U.S. seventh-grade students (Mage = 12.86 years, N = 196, 60% female, 46% African American). RESULTS: Attitude toward violence fully mediated the relationship between future expectations and physical bullying (indirect effects = -0.08, 95% CI [-0.15, -0.01], R = .17). The relationship between future expectations and relational bullying was partially mediated by attitudes toward violence (indirect effects = -0.07, 95% CI [-0.14, -0.002], R = .20). DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that future expectations can play a role in reducing attitude toward violence and physical and relational bullying perpetration among youth. Interventions that help support the development of future goals and aspirations could play a vital role in bullying prevention efforts.
Authors: Jessica Roberts Williams; Nina Fredland; Hae-Ra Han; Jacquelyn C Campbell; Joan E Kub Journal: Public Health Nurs Date: 2009 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 1.462
Authors: Wendy Craig; Yossi Harel-Fisch; Haya Fogel-Grinvald; Suzanne Dostaler; Jorn Hetland; Bruce Simons-Morton; Michal Molcho; Margarida Gaspar de Mato; Mary Overpeck; Pernille Due; William Pickett Journal: Int J Public Health Date: 2009-09 Impact factor: 3.380