NCJ Number
159119
Journal
EuroCriminology Volume: 8-9 Dated: special issue (1995) Pages: 163-180
Date Published
1995
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The Bochum study in Germany, conducted against a backdrop of previous research on causes of aggression and violence in schools, specifically aimed to collect information about aggression and violence in typical German schools.
Abstract
The study included a representative sample of 208 teachers and 948 students; 73 to 90 percent of school staff completed standardized questionnaires, while 100 percent of students participated. Headmasters, teachers, caretakers, secretaries, and students were asked about the occurrence of insults and provocations among students and against teachers. Students were also asked to estimate the number of times students were insulted by teachers. Headmasters indicated insults and provocations among students occurred daily. About 26 percent of teachers witnessed daily insults and provocations, while 32 percent observed these occurrences several times a week. Students reported frequent incidents of verbal aggression among themselves, and they often witnessed verbal aggression between students and teachers. Schools also had to deal with vandalism and the destruction of school property. Despite a certain climate of aggression, most Bochum school headmasters felt secure. Respondents offered explanations of violent student behavior and noted ways of preventing violence that focused on educational measures and measures to maintain order. 6 references, 1 table, and 2 figures