Peer Harassment in School: The Plight of the Vulnerable and Victimized

Many youngsters are targets of verbal and physical abuse or social ostracism at some point during their school careers, and a minority are repeatedly victimized by their peers. Which students become the targets of aggressive behavior, and why? What are the psychological and health consequences of victimization? Of crucial importance, what can school professionals do to help? This volume brings together leading investigators to present the latest psychological research on chronically victimized children and adolescents. Chapters review conceptual and methodological issues, identify developmental differences in types of harassment, and explore various reaction patterns associated with victimization. Findings are presented on the correlates and consequences of harassment, from peer rejection to compromised mental and physical health, as well as its role in peer group dynamics. Highlighting the practical implications of current research, the volume discusses a number of school- based prevention and intervention approaches.