Citation

Klein J, Cornell DG, Konold T. Sch. Psychol. Q. 2012; 27(3): 154-169.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/a0029350

PMID

22889138

Abstract

This study examined whether characteristics of a positive school climate were associated with lower student risk behavior in a sample of 3,687 high school students who completed the School Climate Bullying Survey and questions about risk behavior from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBS). Confirmatory factor analyses established fit for 20 items with three hypothesized school climate scales measuring (1) prevalence of bullying and teasing; (2) aggressive attitudes; and (3) student willingness to seek help. Structural equation modeling established the relationship of these measures with student reports of risk behavior. Multigroup analyses identified differential effects across gender and race. A positive school climate could be an important protective factor in preventing student risk behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved).

Language: en