Perceived collective efficacy in schools: does it predict help-seeking behaviors among bullied students? (original) (raw)

The time and energy it took to complete this thesis were facilitated in part by the support of the University of Delaware's Graduate Scholars Award, which I was blessed to earn both years of my time in the master's program. Thus, I am thankful to the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice and the University Awards Committee at the University of Delaware for respectively nominating and selecting me for this award. First and foremost, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to my thesis committee for their continual support, suggestions, and encouragement. I am especially appreciative of my committee chair, Dr. Ronet Bachman. Writing a thesis is no easy feat, but the task became endurable with your guidance. From reading and editing several drafts of my thesis to tirelessly answering numerous questions in my "thesis update" emails to giving me a hug for when I was stressed, you have been unequivocally supportive and reassuring. I am also grateful to the feedback and direction provided by my other committee members, Dr. Aaron Kupchik and Dr. Cresean Hughes. Aaron, thank you for keeping me on my toes by elevating my research and writing to produce a "publishable quality" thesis. Cresean, thank you for providing me with suggestions that challenged me to "think outside the box" and consider alternative ways to test the collective efficacy hypothesis. I am only hopeful iv that I can acquire a similar team of mentors as I progress into my doctoral studies at Rutgers University. I would also like to thank Dr. Yasser Payne, who has been an incredible mentor to me throughout my time at UD. Though you did not serve on my thesis committee, you were most encouraging and accommodating during the hectic final phases of the writing process. Special thanks to my cohort, Synergistic Six, for believing in me when I felt discouraged. I will miss our "cohorting" outings, which not only relieved the stress and tension of graduate school but provided me with renewed energy to resume writing. I am particularly grateful to two cohort members, Madeline Stenger and Robyn Blake, who extended their precious time and expertise to answer my many data and methods questions. Last but deeply felt, I offer my gratitude to my family (immediate and extended) who have stood in my corner since the beginning. This work might have been insurmountable without their relentless cheer, support, and sacrifice. To them, I am eternally grateful. v TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES .