A Theoretical Understanding of Defending Behaviours
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Authors
Gustafsson, Anna
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Bullying , Defending , Reporting , Comforting , Solution-Focused Defending , Aggressive Defending , Resource Control Theory , Resource Control Strategies , Attachment Security , Attachment Theory , Attachment , Developmental Psychology , Youth
Alternative Title
Abstract
Youth’s defending behaviours are associated with less bullying in the classroom (Salmivalli, Voeten, & Poskiparta, 2011) and, consequently, are critical components of bullying prevention programs (e.g., KiVa; Salmivalli, Kärnä, & Poskiparta, 2010). There is limited research regarding defending behaviours that is grounded in theory. This thesis is guided by Resource Control Theory (Hawley, 1999) and Attachment Theory (Ainsworth et al., 1978). The objectives of our studies were to investigate factors that correlate with defending behaviours. In our first study, measures of resource control strategies, social power, social connections, and defending behaviours were used. Descriptive analyses revealed differences in resource control strategies and defending behaviours by gender and grade. Cross-sectionally, being categorized as a frequent user of prosocial resource control strategies (e.g., cooperating to achieve goals; Hawley, 1999) was positively associated with comforting, solution-focused defending, and reporting, whereas being categorized as a frequent user of coercive resource control strategies (e.g., threatening others to achieve goals; Hawley, 1999) was positively associated with aggressive defending. Most of these relationships were no longer significant longitudinally. Our results suggested that resource control strategies were associated with defending strategies that were expected to serve related functions (cooperative or competitive). The second study examined the relationships among parent attachment, resource control strategies, and defending behaviour. Cross-sectionally, both trust-communication (i.e., mutual respect, discussion of problems; Muris et al., 2001) and alienation (i.e., anger and isolation; Muris et al., 2001) were positively associated with all four defending behaviours. There was no evidence of mediation by resource control strategies. Findings indicated that relationships among attachment security and defending behaviours were complex. These relationships suggested that both securely attached and insecurely attached youth may defend their peers, and that additional characteristics of parent-child relationships may relate to youth’s use of resource control strategies and defending behaviour. Together, these findings raise many questions, emphasizing the need for further theory-driven research.
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CC0 1.0 Universal
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
CC0 1.0 Universal