Estudio Transversal: Variables Asociadas al Acoso Escolar

Cross-Sectional Research: Bullying Associated Variables. INTRODUCTION: Bullying is a multicausal psychosocial phenomenon, the objective of this study was to identify contextualized variables that influence settings of bullying. METHODS: This is a correlational observational cross-sectional descriptive study in which two educational institutions from the city of Cuenca-Ecuador were included. A questionnaire about bullying and mistreatment was applied to students, the instrument had prior validation. Inferential statistics were used for data analysis. RESULTS: 885 students from second to ninth year of basic general education were part of the study. Similar frequency and prevalence of bullying was found in boys and girls. In terms of age group a higher percentage of casualties in children aged 7, 8 and 9 was found; just as direct manifestations: physical damage to the other’s property and relational (rejection) was presented with the highest incidence in younger children. Verbal aggression characterized the harassment in children of 10 years and older. The predominant family type in victims, perpetrators and spec¬tators was the nuclear family; family environment was perceived by children as favorable. The school teacher was perceived as a member of the educational community that stops bullying situations. CONCLUSIONS: Some contextualized variables were identified and associated with the presen¬ce of bullying: a) age, showing that young had greater presence of direct physically bullying, damage to the other’s property and relational bullying (verbal is inherent of older children); b) the family system is characterized in providing the child academic support, communication channels and recreational spaces, however the presence of violent interaction patterns is evi¬dent; c) the school system, in which students perceive teachers as change agents. There was no important incidence of sex in bullying setting up.