This study was aimed at identifying the relationship between family strength and tolerance for school violence targeting middle school students among whom school violence occurs most frequently, and providing basic data for direction guidance and prac...
This study was aimed at identifying the relationship between family strength and tolerance for school violence targeting middle school students among whom school violence occurs most frequently, and providing basic data for direction guidance and practical alternatives to prevent school violence. The research questions of the study were as follows;
First, what is the family strength perceived by middle school students?
Second, what is the tolerance for school violence perceived by middle school students?
Third, what is the relationship between family strength and tolerance for school violence?
To solve these research questions, a survey of students of 4 middle schools in Gyeongnam was conducted and data were analysed by SAS 9.3 statistical program. The findings of this study were as follows:
First, in regard to middle school students’perception of family strength, they perceived as a ‘healthy’family. Students in the lower grades and above a certain level of family environment and grade perceived more positively about family strength. However, perceptions of family strength did not differ between genders, and above a certain level of family environment did not affect family strength.
Second, the tolerance for school violence recognized by middle school students was as low as below average. However, there was high behavior potential for peer bullying. In regard to the overall level of tolerance for school violence, the boys showed higher tolerance for school violence than the girls and their behavior potential for peer bullying were also higher.
Third, there was a negative correlation between family strength and tolerance for school violence. In particular, there was the highest correlation between the ability to solve family problems and tolerance for peer bullying. This result indicates that experience of solving the problems between family members are reflected in problem solving between peers.
This study identified family strength and tolerance for school violence perceived by middle school students, and the relationship between family strength and tolerance for school violence. It is advisable to put more emphasis on family strength in order to reduce tolerance for school violence by middle school students. Given the adolescents who spend more time in school than at home, the follow-up studies are needed to research different variables which affects tolerance for school violence.