A cross national study of the victimization of students: Towards determining a typology of stressors and symptoms - the Griffith University story.

Abstract

Many school children have been subjected to traumatic experiences in school that have significantly effected their social adjustment in the classroom setting and their overall psychological and emotional status. Temple University, USA, have initiated a cross - national study to explore student victimization by educators and peers with emphasis on intra and inter-sample aspects of the types of traumatic stressors experienced by students. Students across several faculties at Griffith University will be presented with the opportunity to be participants in the research as part of an Australian cohort. The unique aspect of this research is the systematic exploration of the relation between bullying, the resulting stress symptoms of victims and resulting mental illness. The major instrument, the Students Alienation and Trauma Scale (SATS), will be used to develop bullying profiles and the extent of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms caused by bullying. The goal of this study is to extend our knowledge of school trauma beyond a basic understanding of specific situations and locations to a more comprehensive and global view of the types of traumas experienced by children at school. In the present study, the research design is outlined for the Griffith University component of the cross-national study will be presented.