The Correlates of School Violence: An Examination of Factors Linked to Assaultive Behavior in a Rural Middle School with a Large Migrant Population

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines various factors that contribute to assaultive behavior in school. We focused on the differences between youth whose behavior was not problematic and those who admitted to threatening, stealing from, or physically assaulting students, teachers, or staff. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to a random sample of students at a rural California middle school that serves the children of a large migrant worker population. Results suggest that the factors linked to school violence in this unique sample are very similar to those identified elsewhere. Compared with youth who did not exhibit behavior problems in school, youth who admitted to behavioral problems in school had lower self-esteem scores, less of an ability to control their anger, less commitment to school, weaker bonds with teachers, and less parental supervision after school.