Service providers' perceptions of and responses to bullying of individuals with disabilities

J Intellect Disabil. 2017 Dec;21(4):277-296. doi: 10.1177/1744629516650127. Epub 2016 May 25.

Abstract

A sample of 124 service providers (e.g. mental health professionals, educators, administrators) completed a survey about bullying of individuals with disabilities and the use and perceived effectiveness of resources and strategies to address bullying. Providing support and performing an action in response to bullying were reported to be used more often and were perceived as more effective than education and minimizing/ignoring. Service providers who reported that the individuals they worked with experienced cyberbullying more frequently were more likely to take action and use education. Those who attributed victimization to social differences were more likely to provide support.

Keywords: attributions; bullying victimization; individuals with disabilities; prevention and intervention; service providers.

MeSH terms

  • Administrative Personnel / psychology*
  • Attitude
  • Bullying / prevention & control*
  • Crime Victims / psychology*
  • Disabled Persons / psychology*
  • Educational Personnel / psychology*
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Mental Health Services*