School Based Violence and Gang Activity in Mbale City: Case of Mbale City Schools

Abstract Child and adolescent externalizing problems have often been conceptualized broadly with imprecise language (e.g., “disruptive behavior”) or inconsistently across varying taxonomies (e.g., oppositional defiant and conduct disorder symptoms, aggressive and rule-breaking behaviors). Establishing clarity around dimensions of externalizing problems is an essential step toward more accurate measurement and construct validity across the externalizing domain. To that end, the current study investigated fine-grained dimensions in the structure of youth externalizing psychopathology. Caregiver-report survey data were collected for a national community sample of 576 youth (ages 6–14; 45% female, 25% Hispanic), including measures of irritability, oppositionality, reactive and proactive aggression, conduct problems, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and inattention. We used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to examine relations among externalizing dimensions at the item-level followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine relations at the construct-level. EFA results suggested that a 3-factor model best fit the data, including factors characterized by externalizing affect (e.g., “felt mad”), externalizing behavior (e.g., “bullies, threatens, or intimidates others”), and ADHD symptoms (e.g., “talks excessively”), with a few cross-loadings. Similarly, confirmatory models indicated that a 3-factor, non-hierarchical structure fit the data best when compared to three other models. Results provide support for distinct facets of the externalizing spectrum in child psychopathology, suggesting a preliminary direction for a unifying framework. These findings highlight the potential for future measurement research to further disentangle the distinct and overlapping facets of externalizing constructs, particularly using multiple methods and informants and with replication across samples.

Experiences of bullying can have significant psychological consequences, including an increased risk of social anxiety. This study aimed to examine changes in social anxiety following Virtual Reality Social Exposure (VRSE) among bullying victims. A one-group pretest–posttest design without a control group was employed with 12 participants. The intervention consisted of three gradual exposure sessions in virtual environments representing social situations. Social anxiety was measured before and after the intervention, and the data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. The results indicated a statistically significant decrease in social anxiety scores following the intervention (p = 0.002), with a reported effect size of 0.974. These findings suggest that VRSE may be a promising approach for reducing social anxiety among bullying victims. However, the absence of a control group and the small sample size limit conclusions regarding its effectiveness and safety. Further studies with larger samples, control groups, and systematic safety assessments are needed.

The purpose of this study is to examine how parentification and perceived stress impact adolescents' psychological and behavioural adjustment. This study explored the associations between parentification, perceived stress, and disruptive behaviour, and the predictive and mediating effects of these variables. The method of the research was descriptive cross sectional, purposive sampling was used for gathering samples, the number of samples obtained was 250.The methods used were descriptive cross sectional design, purposive sampling was used for sampling. The Parentification Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Disruptive Behaviour Scale were used to collect the data. The SPSS Version 26 was used for descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression analysis and Hayes’ PROCESS Macro (Model 4). Results showed that parentification was not a significant predictor of perceived stress and disruptive behaviour. Perceived stress, however, was a strong predictor of disruptive behaviour. Indirect effect of parentification on disruptive behaviour via perceived stress was also non-significant. Impression of stress seems to be a key factor related to disruptive behaviour among adolescents, while the impact of parentification could differ based on contextual and cultural factors. The results emphasize the need for stress reduction and psychological health promotion initiatives for youth in Pakistan.

Background: Father involvement is an important aspect of the caregiving environment that is associated with children’s social-emotional development. Such involvement includes interaction, support, attention, and participation in children’s activities. This study aimed to analyze the association between nine dimensions of father involvement and emotional and behavioral difficulties among children aged 5-9 years. Methods: This study used a quantitative research method with a cross-sectional design. Participants were 130 mothers who had children aged 5-9 years in Jonggol Village. Father involvement was measured using the Inventory of Father Involvement (IFI), consisting of nine dimensions, while children’s emotional and behavioral difficulties were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) through the Total Difficulties score. Associations were analyzed using the Spearman Rank correlation test with a significance level of 5%. Results: Three of the nine IFI dimensions showed significant negative associations with SDQ Total Difficulties: Time and Talking (rs = −0.181; p = 0.040), Reading and Homework (rs = −0.227; p = 0.009), and Attention (rs = −0.178; p = 0.043). The other six dimensions were not significantly associated with SDQ Total Difficulties (p > 0.05). Findings are exploratory (p-values unadjusted). Conclusion: Specific aspects of father involvement, particularly time and communication, participation in reading and homework, and attention, were associated with lower emotional and behavioral difficulties among children. These findings highlight the importance of examining father involvement not only as an overall construct but also according to its specific dimensions

Bullying is a behavior that can affect students’ sense of safety and comfort in the school environment. This activity aimed to increase elementary school students’ awareness of the forms, impacts, and prevention of bullying through a Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata/KKN). The activity was conducted at SD 1 Way Gubak involving fifth- and sixth-grade students. A qualitative descriptive method was applied through observation, question-and-answer sessions, and documentation. The results showed that students were able to recognize bullying, particularly teasing, hitting, and hurting others, although their initial understanding mainly focused on physical actions. Materials presented using simple language and concrete examples helped broaden students’ understanding of bullying and its prevention. The activity also identified bullying experiences related to students’ social and economic conditions.