Citation

Mayer MJ. J. School Violence 2010; 9(1): 37-55.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15388220903153496

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The 1995–2005 School Crime Supplement datasets were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Converging evidence across multiple analyses suggests that secure school building policies may not be systematically linked to school disorder and may be more a reactive measure in response to other concerns. Most importantly, measures of incivility explain almost double the variance (31–45% vs. 17–25%) in students' fear, anxiety, and avoidant behaviors, compared to theft and attack, when tested using alternate measurement models. The analysis can inform school-based professionals working with at-risk students who may be exhibiting fear, anxiety, or avoidant behaviors related to a hostile school environment. The findings suggest that local school personnel and educational leaders concerned about school violence should facilitate increased resource supports to address incivility in schools.