This important text presents bullying as a health issue and proposes effective strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention based on current scientific research of aggressive behaviors.
Bullying goes far beyond typical treatments of the topic by presenting an overview of the research concerning the causes, symptoms, and prevalence of bullying to illustrate how it is not simply a social issue but both a genuine medical and health issue. The author draws upon both clinical data and her own extensive experience observing children’s interactions on school playgrounds and from interviewing parents, teachers, administrators, and children themselves to reach conclusions about evidence-based prevention and treatment.
The work provides a deeper understanding of bullying by presenting biological and psychological theories of aggression, describing why bystanders who witness bullying react in the way that they do, offering novel ways to deal with the problem, and presenting proven methods that concerned bystanders of all ages can employ to break bullying behaviors—without increasing their own risk. It provides information of great relevance to students, parents, counselors, educators, teaching assistants, and administrators.
Features
- A bibliography that includes useful sources such as the U.S. Secret Service Report investigating school attacks, early research into bullying and youth behavior, and work by leading experts in the field
- A glossary defines terms such as fatalistic suicide, diffusion of responsibility, and provocative victim
- A list of resources directs readers to further information on treatment and prevention for those struggling with mental health problems due to bullying
Sally Kuykendall, PhD, is chair and associate professor in the Health Services Department at Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA. She has worked as a critical care nurse in the United States and abroad, caring for survivors of intentional and unintentional injuries. Kuykendall's study of bullying started with an evaluation of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, a position where she met with teachers, parents, and administrators and observed children's behavior at lunch and recess. Her best education in bullying prevention stems from her experiences as a mother of three sons and two stepdaughters.
Reviews
"This multifaceted biopsychosocial approach is complex but, for sure, relevant. A great resource for students conducting research, adults looking to intercede in the cycle of abuse, or victims looking for recourse."—Booklist, February 1, 2013
"Overall, this is an excellent resource, both for the content it contains and for the recommendations for additional research. It will be of most use in the hands of school counselors, parents, educators, administrators, and students—anyone on the front lines of this growing problem."—ARBA, January 1, 2013
Health and Medical Issues Today
From the latest developments in treatment to updates on public health threats, information about health and medicine impacts lives more directly than almost any other subject. Despite a wealth of coverage online and in print media, there is still an overwhelming need for a single source to which a reader can turn for accurate, current information on an issue of concern.
The series Health and Medical Issues Today provides just such one-stop resources for those seeking solid overviews of the most controversial and persisting issues in health and psychology. Each volume offers a balanced, in-depth introduction to the medical, scientific, legal, and cultural aspects of subjects ranging from obesity to sports medicine, mental illness, HIV/AIDS, and tobacco use.
