Biased and Nonbiased Victimization at School: Perceived Impacts Among Victimized Youth in a National Sample

Abstract

A vast literature examines the negative effects of school victimization. However, there are few studies comparing the impacts of biased and nonbiased victimization. Extant research also rarely assesses the impacts of experiencing multiple types of biased victimization. This study used nationally representative U.S. data (N = 2,241) to examine the perceived negative effects of biased and nonbiased victimization on victims’ physical health, self-esteem, social relationships, and schoolwork. Compared to nonbiased victimization, biased victimization was associated with increased odds of experiencing all four perceived impact types. Odds of the perceived impacts increased as the number of bias types involved in the victimization increased. These findings imply that schools should place greater emphasis on prejudicial victimization as a component of their violence prevention and anti-bullying initiatives.