Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

7-16-2025

Graduate Advisor

Dr. Elizabeth Segura, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Committee

Dr. Elise Schaller, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, MPH

Dr. Stephanie Tate-Patterson, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC

Abstract

Problem: Bullied youth are two and a half times more likely to experience depression and three times more likely to experience anxiety and suicidal ideation than their peers (Li et al., 2024). Schools represent a key access point for mental health support and treatment for youth (Duong et al., 2020). Despite this, schools typically do not have formal bullying screening integrated into student support services.

Methods: This program evaluation used a descriptive, observational design to evaluate a bullying screening program in a suburban middle-school. This program used the California Bullying Victimization Scale (CBVS) to assess for bullying victimization (BV) followed by four weeks of follow-up to refer students positive for BV to an existing mental health support service (MHSS) in the school district. Retrospective data collection was conducted to determine the number of student referrals to MHSS during the same time frame one year before this program evaluation to explore how this program may have impacted referrals to MHSS.

Results: Of 164 seventh grade students screened for BV, 66 screened positive. Follow-up was conducted on all 66 students (100%) and 10 students (15.15%) received a MHSS referral. A Chi-Square Test (χ²(1, N = 477) = 8.68, p = .003) showed a statistically significant association between the year and the number of referrals made to MHSS. A Fisher’s Exact test (p = .001) demonstrated a statistically significant association between the year and referrals generated from CBVS screening results.

Implications: Future practice should expand this screening to additional grade levels and schools in the district. Future research should explore the use of other mental health screenings before referral to MHSS to optimize use of the district’s resources.

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