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Exploratory Study of Violence and Aggression Against Teachers in Middle and High Schools: Prevalence, Predictors, and Negative Consequences

NCJ Number
252711
Journal
Journal of School Violence Volume: Online Dated: November 2018
Author(s)
Byongook Moon; John McCluskey
Date Published
November 2018
Length
17 pages
Annotation

This study of a representative sample of 1,628 teachers in the southwest region of the United States found a high prevalence of violence and aggression directed against teachers, and the research also determined that teachers uncertain and helping/friendly behaviors toward students were significantly related to various types of teacher victimization.

Abstract

Limited empirical findings suggest that teacher victimization at school is prevalent, with detrimental negative impacts on victimized teachers. Given the scarce body of literature on teacher victimization, further research is necessary to investigate its extent, predictors, and negative consequences. The current study found that teacher experiences involving the five victimization types (theft/property damage, physical assault, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and noncontact aggression) were correlated with teachers' self-reported job performance, student trust, safety at school, and thoughts about quitting. Directions for future research and policy implications are considered in the context of these findings. (publisher abstract modified)