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Dissertation Proposal

Dissertation Proposal: An investigation of empathy and social problem solving among different bullying groups: A study of male prisoners.

A. Formulation of Research Question

‘What works’ research suggests that cognitive behavioural interventions produce the most effective recidivism results among offender populations. Therefore, it would be just to suggest that this type of intervention would be beneficial when reducing bullying and victimisation within the same population.

Cognitive deficits that are related to offending attitudes and behaviour include social problem solving (Freedman, Rosenthal, Donahoe, Schlindt and McFall, 1978), and empathy (Covell and Scalora, 2002) among others.

As bullying is an interaction with others, it seems appropriate that social problem solving and empathy would be related to bullying behaviour. Ireland (1998, 1999) identified four distinct bullying groups using the Direct and Indirect Prisoner Behaviour Checklist (DIPC): ‘pure bullies’- those reporting bullying behaviour; ‘pure victims’- those reporting being bullied; ‘bully/victims’- those reporting bullying others and being bullied’ and ‘not involved’- those reporting no bullying or victimisation.

Although broad guidelines have been suggested highlighting specific interventions such as ‘anti-bullying units’ (Home Office, 1999) there has been limited research into creating and implementing effective interventions for bullies and victims within secure settings. At HMP (name of institution) needs-analysis research indicated a rise in bullying over the last year, suggesting a need for effective interventions.

Therefore, the hypothesis is that there will be significant differences in the scores on empathy and social problem solving between the four bullying groups.

B. Participants

Proportionate sampling will be employed ensuring a sufficient representation from each wing is obtained, enabling results to be generalised. A systematic random sample of all...