Self-perceived peer harassment in a community sample of Norwegian school children.
OBJECTIVE
The experience of being harassed is associated with various forms of maladjustment. This study examined the prevalence of three domains of harassment, and their associations with emotional and behavioral problems.


METHODS
A total of 4130 young people in 6th through 10th grade in 66 primary and secondary schools in Norway completed questionnaires on self-perceived harassment and emotional and behavioral problems.


RESULTS
The structural psychometric properties of the scales of harassment showed an acceptable fit to the data. Boys reported more harassment on all items and domains than girls across grades. Strong associations between self-perceived harassment and psychiatric impact and behavioral and emotional problems, especially peer problems and conduct disorder, were revealed.


CONCLUSIONS
The study adds to the understanding of the concept of harassment and its correlations with emotional and behavioral problems. The study underscores the importance of conducting routine screening in school as an important basis for the subsequent improvement in children's relationships.
Rønning
John A
JA
Department of Pediatrics, University of Tromsø, N-9016 Tromsø, Norway.
Handegaard
Bjørn H
BH
Sourander
Andre
A
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway; D011594:Psychometrics; D012649:Self Concept; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires