Bullying Research: An Annotated Bibliography

Salmivalli, Christina, et al. "Bullying As A Group Process: Participant Roles And Their Relations To Social Status Within The Group." Aggressive Behavior, vol. 22, no. 1, 1996, pp. 1-15.  

This research contributes to the idea of bullying as a group process. It specifically studies children between the ages of 12 and 13. The study divides the students into five sociometric status groups. They are; popular, rejected, neglected, controversial and average. When considered personally, these groups exist in almost any academic institution. Based on the classification of the student comes the role of the student as either bully, reinforce of the bully, assistant of the bully, the victim, and defender of the victim. Boys were found to more frequently take on the roles of bully, reinforce and assistant while girls were typically defender and outsider. The subjects are moderately well aware of their roles, but the connection of their roles to their socioeconomic status was found to be a contributing factor.

Smith, Peter K., and Sonia Sharp. School bullying: Insights and perspectives. 1994. 

This book is an extensive collection of research on bullying in school. It begins by identifying bullying and the methodology for the study. It continues to examine whole-school policies and their role in tackling bullying behavior. Chapters 3 through 9 discuss combating bullying through positive means such as empowering the student, lessons they take with them as they grow up. Positive prevention is just as important as forced prevention from the administration as it establishes equilibrium naturally among the social order of the students. Forcing students simply to not bully through tough punishment will simply result in more underhanded methods of bullying. Therefore, this book takes a significant step forward in contributing the idea of positive prevention strategy. 

Swearer, Susan M.. "Integrating Research And Practice: An Ecological Analysis Of The Dynamics Behind Bullying And Victimization." School Psychology Quarterly, vol. 17, no .2, 2002, pp. 206-211. 

This scholarly article comes from the American Psychological Association and discusses current research efforts on bullying and victimization in schools. It begins by covering developments in the study of bullying in schools. It also covers how this research can inform individuals in prevention and intervention methods. Assessing the environment in which bullying typically occurs is an important contribution from this paper to the study at large. Minimizing the contributing factors for bullying to occur can have a significant impact on the education environment as a whole. 

Viljoen, Jodi L., et al. "Bullying Behaviors In Female And Male Adolescent Offenders: Prevalence, Types, And Association With Psychosocial Adjustment." Aggressive Behavior, vol. 31, no. 6, 2005, pp. 521-536. 

This article begins by introducing the concept of bullying as especially concerning yet infrequently addressed. The objective of the study was to measure the prevalence of modern bullying behaviors among US youth and determine the association with indicators of psychosocial adjustment. This study expands its range into parenting and the international scope as well. The study finds that bullying among US youth is substantial. It presents a substantial threat to healthy youth development which has its long term impacts. Basic characteristics of bullies and victims of bullying are identified in the study. Overall, the research provides a foundation for understanding the problem of bullying in schools.

"What is Bullying.” StopBullying.gov. n.d. http://www.stopbullying.gov/what-is-bullying/  

Stopbullying.gov is a website dedicating to combatting the serious issue of bullying. As awareness of bullying has increased in recent years, specific efforts such as this one have been created. The website provides an excellent source for parents to understand what bullying is and how it can affect their children. It is a great tool for information because there can be a great disconnect between the parent and child regarding what goes on during their school day. Some topics can be difficult for the child to talk to about their parent. Other topics can be put off by the parent as not important or overcoming. But some topics such as excessive teasing and physical harassment need immediate attention and this website is a great place for parents to get started.