Boldly Exploring the Link Between Bullying and School Absenteeism in the Heartland
Effects of Bullying on Academic Achievements and Psychological Well-being of Students, Examined in Chapter 4
Let's delve into the intriguing world of adolescent bullying and its impact on school attendance, particularly in rural settings among students aged 18 and over. In recent years, this topic has garnered significant research interest, and we aim to contribute fresh insights.
What's the Big Ugliness? You Bet it is Bullying!
Bullying is a key factor that can tank students' performance and mental health in modern educational environments (Grinshteyn and Yang, 2017). Countless studies propose differing opinions about the connection between bullying and absenteeism, with some affirming this link (Gruber and Fineran, 2017) and others contradicting it (Pampati et al., 2020). This study aims to shed light on this debate, offering either support or refutation of previous evidence. Given the escalating occurrence of bullying in schools, it's high time we tackle this issue head-on. Let's also assess the influence of peer social support on absenteeism – a potential game-changer in the battle against truancy or absenteeism.
Validity and Reliability: Don't Skimp on the Deets!
Meghanathan (2015) explains that reliability deals with the consistency of study outcomes, while validity refers to the accuracy of the methods used to measure variables. To ensure both aspects shine like a beacon, we'll employ a range of statistical approaches, carefully formulating hypotheses, defining variables, and selecting appropriate statistical analyses.
We'll keep internal validity high by targeting students' natural environments for bullying observations and adhering to a strict protocol during each study activity. External validity will be maximized through selecting a large study sample that represents the overall high school student population aged 18 and above.
Findings: Size Matters
Bullying and School Absences: A Loose Connection?
Initial analysis revealed a correlation between bullying and an increase in school absences (r = 0.192; p = 0.201). However, the resulting p-value was too high (0.20), suggesting a weak relationship. Contrary to our assumptions, the correlation was not significant, raising questions about the traditional understanding of bullying as a major catalyst for absenteeism (Juvonen and Schacter, 2017; Zych, et al., 2017). Others, such as Pampati et al. (2020) and Baldry et al. (2017), have argued that while bullying may contribute to increased absenteeism, it is not a guarantee that bullied students will skip school.
Peer Social Support vs. Absenteeism: The Battle Rages On
Sadly, the connection between peer social support and school absences remains ambiguous. The p-value stood at 0.338, indicating no significant relationship between the two variables (r = 0.145). Previous studies have shown promise in the role of peer social support in managing absenteeism (Bennett et al., 2018; Green et al., 2019; Grinshteyn and Yang, 2017), but the precise circumstances under which it becomes effective remain to be seen.
A Call to Action: Redefining the Landscape of Rural Education
This investigation sheds new light on the tricky dance between bullying, absenteeism, and peer social support in rural settings. While our findings challenge some prevailing assumptions, they align with those of Pampati et al. (2020) and Baldry et al. (2017) in their exploration of the complex relationship between bullying and absenteeism.
To strengthen our grip on these factors, future research may consider conducting interviews with students and educators in rural settings to gain deeper insights into the dynamics of bullying and absenteeism. A mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data, will enable us to delve even deeper into this important topic.
Stay tuned for our next chapter, where we'll dissect the implications of our findings and compare them with the results of previous studies. Until then, keep your seats belted and your curiosity peaked!
- To gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between bullying and school absenteeism, one might seek dissertation writing services specializing in education-and-self-development and learning, focusing on case studies set in rural areas.
- The link between peer social support and absenteeism is ambiguous, but investigations in science and health-and-wellness, particularly mental-health research, could provide valuable insights for future studies, perhaps through the development of targeted interventions or educational programs.
- In light of the intricate interplay between bullying, peer support, and school attendance, it would be insightful to explore various dimensions of rural education, such as psychosocial factors and learning environments, as part of efforts to improve education and well-being.
