Analyzing sub-population profiles and risk factors for school bullying

• Latent Class Analysis was used to explore sub-population profiles of bullying risk.
• Four profiles of bullying risk were culled from a sample of middle school students.
• Bullying risk was associated with student perceptions of peer and adult support.
• Increasing support for peer interventions may help prevent school bullying.
• Social workers can be key leaders in preventing school bullying.

Drawing from a local sample of 1822 7th and 8th grade students, this study used Latent Class Analysis (LCA) and Latent Class Regression Analysis (LCRA) to identify sub-population profiles and risk factors for school bullying. Four sub-population profiles of school bullying risk were yielded from this approach. These profiles included students who presented little need for formal services as well as students who manifested needs for wrap-around support. Importantly, additional regression analyses related student membership in particular risk profile groups to the support they receive from peers, teachers, and parents. Several significant practice implications for bullying prevention and Response-to-Intervention (RTI) frameworks accompany the findings. Above all, school bullying interventions should be implemented with prudence because even the best intended ones carry the potential for harm.