Graduate Program
Family and Consumer Studies
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2011
Thesis Director
Kathleen O'Rourke
Thesis Committee Member
Michelle Meadows
Thesis Committee Member
Lisa Taylor
Abstract
Bullying has taken on a new realm as cyber bullying and relational aggression have escalated. Cyber bullying has increased due, in part, to technological advancements around the world. Cyber bullying has the ability to reach many individuals in a short time. Victims of cyber bullying may be unable to deter the magnitude of the harassment. Relational aggression is often hard to detect, as it is a subtle act such as glaring, staring, and rolling eyes at the victim. Relational aggression is more common among females than males. The current research study focuses on the prevalence and frequency of cyber bullying and relational aggression among high school students, the characteristics of cyber bullying and relational aggression, the physical, emotional, and academic consequences of cyber bullying and relational aggression, and the support given by family members, school staff, and friends. A self-report questionnaire was designed by the researcher. The respondents were enrolled in freshmen-level courses at a Midwestern University. Results of the study revealed that relational aggression was more common than cyber bullying. There were 106 respondents who participated in the research study. Seventy percent of the respondents revealed they had been victims of relational aggression, whereas 29% of the respondents reported they had been cyber bullied. The characteristics most commonly executed in relational aggression were those of staring, glaring, and rolling eyes. Posting comments to a blog or social website was revealed as the most common form of cyber bullying. The implications of the research study indicate that future research is still needed in order to educate U.S. society on the detrimental effects of bullying.
Recommended Citation
Lewis, Sharon L., "Examining two types of bullying in high school: Relational aggression and cyber bullying" (2011). Masters Theses. 403.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/403
