Factors associated with bullying behavior in middle school students

In this study, bullying,uas examined as a continuum of mild-to-extreme beha viors, and the potential correlates of bullying others were delineated. To improve identification and targeting of those youth at risk for bullying, d emographic, behavioral and psychosocial correlates were tested on a continu ous measure of bullying behavior rated according to the number and frequenc y of behaviors. Among 558 middle school students surveyed in 1995, only 20% reported no bullying behavior. In multiple regression analysis, misconduct anger beliefs supportive of violence, confidence in using nonviolent strat egies, and intentions to use nonviolent strategies were associated with lev els of bullying behavior. Although boys reported more bullying behavior tha n did girls, gender was nota significant predictor in the multiple regressi on analysis. These study results were inconsistent with the perspective tha t early adolescents were either bullies or nonbullies and indicated the nee d for a comprehensive approach to preventing bullying behavior.