Peer Sexual Harassment in Middle School: Classroom and Individual Factors

摘要: In recent years, sexual harassment among adolescents has received significant national attention in the media and from behavioral science researchers. Initial research focused predominantly on describing prevalence of peer (PSH) understanding associated outcomes. More recently, researchers have begun to examine individual contextual risk factors for victimization. Using problem behavior hypothesis, opportunity theory developmental theory, a theoretical framework identify PSH was developed, namely risky behaviors (i.e., self-reported delinquency, aggression friend support counter conventional behaviors) saliency variables flirting, dating opposite sex nominations). Moreover, this is first study that used classroom demographic percent male class size) predict PSH. Thus, current cross-sectional adds literature by examining associations with using multilevel modeling techniques, taking into account nested design students within classrooms, theoretically based correlates variables, behaviors, factors) vulnerability A cohort 8th grade an urban, culturally diverse low-income school district used. Self-report peer-reported data were obtained 744 fall. measures include (AAUW, 1993; 2001); delinquency (Elliot, Huizinga, Ageton, 1995), modified friends' scale (Schierer Botvin, 1998); frequency. Peer ratings aggressive behavior, flirtatious nominations came Revised Class Play (Matesen, Morrison, Pellegrini, 1985). Hierarchical linear regression analyses indicated scores did not significantly differ between classrooms. As such, all disaggregated level. Regression found size related experience Risky rated aggression) factor, self reported being girls boys predictor boys. Sexual salience dating, flirtatiousness, nominations) also flirtatiousness uniquely girls. Findings greater variance victimization boys, whereas proportion indicate 6th pubertal status predictive These results discussed context clinical implications schools future directions.