Abstract

Types of Psychological Abuse against 5th Graders and Correlation with other Variables

 

 

 

The purpose of this study was to explore psychological abuse practiced against Jordanian fifth graders and its correlation with other variables (school stream, gender, and academic average). The study employed a 38-item questionnaire including (4) domains, rejection, isolating, scaring, negligence) with appropriate validity and reliability. Participants consisted of (520) students (297) males and (223) females during the second semester( 2009-2010).

Findings indicated a variety of psychological abuse practiced against the 5th graders with relatively moderate and low percentages; isolating or rejection topped the listing with a means of (1.89) followed by scaring or dismissal, and negligence with means of (1.68) and (1.62) respectively. However, findings were statistically insignificant when correlated with schooling system (private and public). Additionally, findings were statistically significant between males and females in favor of males with low averages.

Based on findings, the researchers recommended that laws and regulations concerning psychological abuse be enacted; it also recommended that teachers' preparation programs, in-service and on –service, be supplied with the concepts of psychological abuses and its consequences on children to be avoided.