title: Detecting bullying in early elementary school with a computerized peer-nomination instrument.
abstract: In this study we describe the PEERS Measure, a computerized assessment instrument that takes an innovative approach to using the peer-nomination method to identify bullying among elementary school children in Grades 1-2. Its psychometric characteristics were measured in 4,017 children from 190 school classes. The intercorrelations between the peer-nomination scores showed congruence of the data (e.g., bullying and peer rejection r = .51, defending and prosocial behavior r = .71). Boys were more involved in bullying, more rejected, and less prosocial. As reports by different informants were used, correlations of peer-reported bullying with aggressive behavior reported by a child him- or herself (r = .37) or by a teacher (r = .42) were in the expected range. Good test-retest reliability as measured by the intraclass correlations (average: .72) further suggests that the instrument has good psychometric properties. In line with earlier research, lower maternal educational levels, younger maternal age, and lower household income were related to more bullying and victimization. Overall, our findings show that the instrument provides a reliable measure of peer relations, thus making the use of peer nominations feasible in early elementary school.
authors: The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Center.
authors: Marina
authors: M
authors: Verlinden
authors: Department of Sociology, University of Groningen.
authors: René
authors: R
authors: Veenstra
authors: The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Center.
authors: Ank P
authors: AP
authors: Ringoot
authors: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia.
authors: Pauline W
authors: PW
authors: Jansen
authors: Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center.
authors: Hein
authors: H
authors: Raat
authors: Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center.
authors: Albert
authors: A
authors: Hofman
authors: The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Center.
authors: Vincent W V
authors: VW
authors: Jaddoe
authors: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia.
authors: Frank C
authors: FC
authors: Verhulst
authors: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia.
authors: Henning
authors: H
authors: Tiemeier
mesh_terms: D058445:Bullying / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012574:Schools