Hostname: page-component-7c8c6479df-24hb2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-03-28T05:52:30.973Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The Influence of Bullying Behaviours on Sense of School Connectedness, Motivation and Self-Esteem

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 February 2012

Jason L. Skues
Affiliation:
Swinburne University of Technology, Australia.
Everarda G. Cunningham*
Affiliation:
Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. ecunningham@swin.edu.au
Trilochan Pokharel
Affiliation:
Swinburne University of Technology, Australia.
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr Everarda Cunningham, Divisional Manager of Research and Development, Swinburne University of Technology, Locked Bag 218, Lilydale, Victoria 3140, Australia.
Get access

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to examine how bullying by peers relates to self-esteem, school connectedness and motivation for academic success in an Australian high school. Questionnaires were completed by 975 students across years 7 to 12. As predicted, male students were subjected to more direct forms of bullying than female students. However, contrary to expectations, there were no significant differences between males and females in their reported experience of indirect forms of bullying. Also, students in the lower year levels of high school reported being bullied more frequently than students in high year levels. Findings supported predictions that students who were bullied by their peers at school tended to report having lower levels of self-esteem, feeling less connected to their peers, teachers and school, and being less motivated to perform well at school. These results may have implications for school-based intervention programs that are designed to reduce bullying behaviours.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2005

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)