Exploring the Relationships Among Bias-Based Bullying, Fear, and School Avoidance in a National Sample of U.S. Adolescents: The Role of School Counselors

Abstract

This study examined the associations among experiencing bias-based bullying on multiple social identities, fear, and school avoidance. The sample included 1177 adolescents who experienced bullying in a nationally representative dataset. Results indicated that 42% of students who were bullied reported that this was due to biases. We found a significant moderating effect of bias-based bullying between fear and school avoidance. We present suggestions for school counselors, including multitiered systems of support and trauma-informed approaches.