Violence in school: An investigation of physical, psychological, and sexual victimization reported by Italian adolescents

Abstract

In Italy, numerous studies have been carried out regarding the phenomenon of bullying; however, studies on single incidences of sexual, physical, and psychological victimization at school remain scant. Therefore the aim of this study is to examine the phenomenon of scholastic violence with a broader perspective, as well as all the possible perpetrators including adults. The sample consisted of 277 adolescents (64% female), ranging from grade 6th to 13th (mean age = 13.29, SD = 2.19). Sixty-four percent of the participants were middle school students, the remaining were high school students. Results show that the most commonly reported type of victimization is psychological violence (incidence= 77%), followed by physical (incidence= 52%), and sexual victimization (incidence= 24%). These forms of violence are mainly inflicted by peers. The research confirmed the validity of the tool and its applicability in the Italian context for screening violent behavior at school.

School bulling. Teacher interpretation schemes and conceptualizations

“…In addition, teachers referred to social class as a possible cause of victimization. The above are in line with the findings of international and Greek literature (Andreou & Bonoti, 2010;Besag, 1989;Boulton & et al, 2001;Gotovos, 1996;Kokkinos, & Karagianni, 2017;Longobardi et al, 2017;Olweus, , 2009Rigby, 1996;Sapouna, 2008;Sullivan et al, 2004;Swearer & Doll, 2001). Teachers shape their typologies through social interaction with students, distinguishing between the characteristics of the victimizer and the victim and signifying the primary importance of the individual's social status, appearance, and interpersonal characteristics (Lamnias, 2002).…”

Empathy and defending behaviours in school bullying: The mediating role of motivation to defend victims

“…As bullying is generally influenced by the environment and other social factors, it impacts a school at the classroom level (Longobardi, Prino, Fabris, & Settanni, , ). Every child, as a component of the group, has a role in the bullying event.…”

Peer Victimization and Aggressive Behavior Among Chinese Adolescents: Delinquent Peer Affiliation as a Mediator and Parental Knowledge as a Moderator

“…Peer victimization among adolescents is a serious social concern, and the incidence rates are growing globally ( Sullivan et al, 2006 ; Longobardi et al, 2017 ). Peer victimization is defined as a repeatedly experienced form of aggressive behavior, perpetrated within the peer group ( Hunter et al, 2007 ).…”

“…Research has shown that 9–32% of adolescents in China and other countries experienced peer victimization ( Huang et al, 2013 ; Jackson et al, 2016 ; Pouwels et al, 2016 ). Ample research evidence has indicated that peer victimization is associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including poor school adjustment, and internalizing (e.g., depression) and externalizing problems (e.g., aggressive behavior; Longobardi et al, 2017 ; Noret et al, 2018 ). Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of peer victimization on adolescent development is essential for the development of protective intervention programs.…”

“…Adolescents spend a notable amount of time in school and with their peers, and the influence of school and peer context on adolescent development has received increased attention in recent years ( Huang et al, 2013 ; Longobardi et al, 2017 ; Noret et al, 2018 ). Survey research show that school violence is common and has been increasing in China ( Chi et al, 2010 ).…”