Students in distress: Unanticipated findings in a cyber bullying study.

Mishna, F., Schwan, K. J., Lefebvre, R., Bhole, P., & Johnston, D. (2014). Students in distress: Unanticipated findings in a cyber bullying study. Children and Youth Services Review, 44, pp. 341-348.


This article discusses the use of quantitative measures to foster the agency and capabilities of children and youth research participants, and facilitate opportunities for students to receive social services. Based on unanticipated findings of a cyber bullying study among students in grades 4, 7 and 10, we discuss how quantitative measures identified youth “in distress” and allowed opportunities for students to obtain resources that would be helpful. Data indicate that students were able to express their agency by navigating the quantitative phase of the research process in ways that met their needs. These findings suggest that quantitative methods should be included among a range of research methodologies that can promote children and youth’s agency and unique voices; meaningfully engage children and youth; and offer benefits to youth participants. (This article was published in Children and Youth Services Review, 44, pp. 341-348, © Copyright Elsevier 2014).

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