Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Mark McMinn

Second Advisor

Elizabeth Hamilton

Third Advisor

Kathleen Gathercoal

Abstract

Despite the effectiveness of bullying prevention programs, there remains a significant portion of individuals who develop short and long-term difficulties as a result of bullying victimization. While most bullying programs are “preventative,” there is a dearth of research examining treatment effects on students who already self identify as having been victims of bullying. The most efficient way of implementing interventions to meet the needs of this population is within the educational system. This study attempted to adapt an existing evidence based intervention to the specific needs of a school setting. The adapted intervention and subsequent pilot study examined the effects of a coping skills training program on bullying victims coping skill usage and helpfulness, as well as self reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. Results showed no significant change in coping skill usage or helpfulness, and no significant overall change in anxiety and depression. Clinically significant improvement was found in 4 out of the 19 individuals; 2 in the area of anxiety, and 2 in the area of depression. Qualitative findings revealed several areas of improvement for future development.

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