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Evaluating the impact of a defender role-play intervention on adolescent’s defender responses towards name-calling

Abbott, Nicola, Cameron, Lindsey, Thompson, Jayne (2020) Evaluating the impact of a defender role-play intervention on adolescent’s defender responses towards name-calling. School Psychology International, 41 (2). pp. 154-169. ISSN 0143-0343. (doi:10.1177/0143034319893410) (KAR id:78213)

Abstract

Researchers and anti-bullying organisations have increasingly turned their attention to the role of bystanders in tackling bullying and peer victimisation (e.g. name-calling). The objective of this study was to develop and assess the impact of a role-play programme designed to strengthen adolescent’s defending behaviour to name-calling. This was measured in two contexts: defending intentions in an out-group name-calling scenario and cyber-defender behaviour in a scripted online peer interaction. Participants (N=121, Mage=12.90 years) were randomly assigned to either a role-play condition or a control condition. Results showed that defender intentions in an out-group name-calling scenario were higher in the role-play condition, compared to the control; in addition, cyber-defender behaviour was more likely and quicker in the role-play condition, compared to the control. Defender self-efficacy was found to be significantly higher in the role-play condition, and mediated the effect of the role-play programme on defender intentions. Findings also revealed that defender intentions were positively correlated with cyber-defender behaviour, highlighting a link between intentions and behaviour. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1177/0143034319893410
Uncontrolled keywords: role-play; defender self-efficacy; defending; cyber-defending; inter-group
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Lindsey Cameron
Date Deposited: 04 Nov 2019 05:58 UTC
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2024 15:42 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/78213 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Cameron, Lindsey.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1388-1970
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Thompson, Jayne.

Creator's ORCID:
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