Bullying: A Study in a Public School in Maringá, Brazil

  • Leonardo Cheffer Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM
  • Alex Eduardo Gallo Cesumar
Keywords: Bullying, School, Violence, Aggressive Behavior.

Abstract

The present study evaluated the frequency of bullying in a public school in Maringá, a city in Paraná, Brazil. It also characterized the occurrence of this specific type of violence. 180 students participated in the study, answering a questionnaire about bullying. Obtained data indicated that this phenomenon is more common than what the school is aware of, replicating international studies. The participants did not assume a sole role, acting interchangeably as victims, aggressors and witnesses. Most of the participants stated that the phenomenon occurred over once a week. Among the behaviors that can be considered as bullying, the students reported 139 occurrences for “name calling”, 116 to “mocking”, 81 to “humiliating”, 70 to “kicking” and 60 to “isolating”. The witnesses tended to feel sorry for the victim. Among his/her characteristics, the victim was mostly related to deficiencies, followed by racial issues. Few students searched for help at school to solve the problem, which might indicate professional’s lack of preparation concerning the phenomenon of bullying.

Author Biographies

Leonardo Cheffer, Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM
Discente de Especialização em Psicoterapia Comportamental e Cognitiva e Análise do Comportamento na Universidade Estadual de Maringá – UEM. E-mail: leocheffer@yahoo.com.br
Alex Eduardo Gallo, Cesumar
Docente do Centro Universitário de Maringá – CESUMAR. E-mail: aedgallo@yahoo.com.br
Published
2009-10-21
Section
Artigos Originais