| Despite decades of extensive research focused on bullying behaviors and research-based bullying
prevention programs, bullying still haunts the hallways of schools. The purpose of this research is to
extend the literature on bullying victimization by utilizing a unique dueling theory approach,
comparing the predictions of routine activity theory (RAT) and social exchange theory (SET). The goal
is to analyze whether we can predict bullying victimization through involvement in extra-curricular
activities as well as status-related demographic variables. This quantitative analysis utilizes
secondary data from the nation’s leading victimization survey, the National Crime Victimization
Survey – School Crime Supplement (NCVS-SCS). The results indicate that involvement in performing
arts increased the risk of experiencing any form of bullying. Involvement in any other activity did not
impact risk suggesting performing arts involvement creates a unique risk compared to other
activities. Due to the varied results, the predictions of RAT and SET are not supported.
Key Words: Bullying; Victimization; Extra-Curricular; Status; School; Youth |