Date of Award
Spring 2026
Language
English
Embargo Period
4-20-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College/School/Department
School of Social Welfare
Program
Social Welfare
First Advisor
Catherine Lawrence
Committee Members
Heather Horton, Kelly Wissman
Keywords
bullying, bullying interventions, bullying in schools, school social workers, quantitative research, survey research
Subject Categories
Social Work
Abstract
Bullying is a nationally recognized social problem associated with harmful consequences for all youth involved. Despite their crucial role in bullying interventions and student success, the practices and perspectives of school social workers are notably absent from academic literature. This survey research study sought to identify strategies that school social workers use with youth engaging in bullying behavior; distinguish which strategies are the most and least effective from the perspective of school social workers; and recognize the supports and barriers school social workers face when implementing bullying interventions.
Survey data from a sample of school social workers answered these questions. Participants utilize parent intervention strategies most frequently, followed by individual and schoolwide interventions. Schoolwide, individual and peer strategies are the most effective bullying interventions. Nonparametric tests revealed statistically significant relationships between intervention strategies and age; experience; education; license level; type, location and population of the school; and number of social workers employed. Lack of time, training and support are the main obstacles to implementing effective bullying interventions, while support, time and positive school climate are the main supports.
The results of this study could help to identify best practices across disciplines, encourage testing of effective bullying interventions, and influence federal and state bullying policies. School social workers must be supported in their efforts to use effective intervention strategies to successfully eliminate bullying in schools and to help youth realize their potential.
Keywords: bullying, bullying interventions, bullying in schools, school social workers, quantitative research, survey research
License
This work is licensed under the University at Albany Standard Author Agreement.
Recommended Citation
Crowe, Elizabeth A., "School-Based Interventions with Youth Engaging in Bullying Behaviors: Effective Strategies from the Perspective of School Social Workers" (2026). Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present). 384.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/etd/384