Examining two types of bullying in high school: Relational aggression and cyber bullying

Abstract

Bullying has taken on a new realm as cyber bullying and relational aggression
have escalated. Cyber bullying has increased due, in part, to technological advancements
around the world. Cyber bullying has the ability to reach many individuals in a short
time. Victims of cyber bullying may be unable to deter the magnitude of the harassment.
Relational aggression is often hard to detect, as it is a subtle act such as glaring, staring,
and rolling eyes at the victim. Relational aggression is more common among females
than males. The current research study focuses on the prevalence and frequency of cyber
bullying and relational aggression among high school students, the characteristics of
cyber bullying and relational aggression, the physical, emotional, and academic
consequences of cyber bullying and relational aggression, and the support given by
family members, school staff, and friends. A self-report questionnaire was designed by
the researcher. The respondents were enrolled in freshmen-level courses at a Midwestern
University. Results of the study revealed that relational aggression was more common
than cyber bullying. There were 106 respondents who participated in the research study.
Seventy percent of the respondents revealed they had been victims of relational
aggression, whereas 29% of the respondents reported they had been cyber bullied. The
characteristics most commonly executed in relational aggression were those of staring,
glaring, and rolling eyes. Posting comments to a blog or social website was revealed as
the most common form of cyber bullying. The implications of the research study indicate
that future research is still needed in order to educate U.S. society on the detrimental
effects of bullying.

Date of Award	2011
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Kathleen O'Rourke (Supervisor)