Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of the KiVa antibullying program on students’ anxiety, depression, and perception
of peers in Grades 4–6. Furthermore, it was investigated whether reductions in peer-reported victimization predicted changes
in these outcome variables. The study participants included 7,741 students from 78 schools who were randomly assigned to either
intervention or control condition, and the program effects were tested with structural equation modeling. A cross-lagged panel
model suggested that the KiVa program is effective for reducing students’ internalizing problems and improving their peer-group
perceptions. Finally, changes in anxiety, depression, and positive peer perceptions were found to be predicted by reductions
in victimization. Implications of the findings and future directions for research are discussed.
of peers in Grades 4–6. Furthermore, it was investigated whether reductions in peer-reported victimization predicted changes
in these outcome variables. The study participants included 7,741 students from 78 schools who were randomly assigned to either
intervention or control condition, and the program effects were tested with structural equation modeling. A cross-lagged panel
model suggested that the KiVa program is effective for reducing students’ internalizing problems and improving their peer-group
perceptions. Finally, changes in anxiety, depression, and positive peer perceptions were found to be predicted by reductions
in victimization. Implications of the findings and future directions for research are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10802-011-9551-1
- Authors
- Anne Williford, School of Social Welfare, University of Kansas, 1545 Lilac Lane, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA
- Aaron Boulton, Department of Quantitative Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Brian Noland, Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Todd D. Little, Department of Quantitative Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Antti Kärnä, Department of Behavioural Sciences and Philosophy, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Christina Salmivalli, Department of Psychology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Journal Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2835
- Print ISSN 0091-0627