Middle school sexual harassment, violence and social networks

Am J Health Behav. 2013 Nov;37(6):769-79. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.37.6.6.

Abstract

Objectives: To pilot a study of social networks informing contextual analyses of sexual harassment and peer violence (SH/PV).

Methods: Seventh and 8th grade students (N = 113) in an urban middle school were surveyed via a Web-based instrument.

Results: Boys and girls reported SH/PV victimization and perpetration at comparable rates. The proportion of nominated friends who reported SH/ PV outcomes was greater in boys' than in girls' social networks. Structural descriptors of social networks were not significant predictors of SH/PV outcomes.

Conclusions: Collection of sensitive relationship data via a school-based Web survey is feasible. Full-scale studies and greater flexibility regarding the number of friendship nominations are recommended for subsequent investigations of potential sex differences.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology
  • Child
  • Crime Victims / psychology
  • Crime Victims / statistics & numerical data*
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Peer Group*
  • Schools*
  • Sexual Harassment / psychology
  • Sexual Harassment / statistics & numerical data*
  • Social Support
  • Students / psychology
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Violence / psychology
  • Violence / statistics & numerical data*