What Disturbs Students? An Examination of Age and Gender Differences

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to identify behaviors students consider most disturbing and to determine if gender and age differences exist. Five hundred eight third to sixth graders completed the 29-item, seven-factor Children's Disturbingness Scale, a self-report instrument developed to evaluate children's ratings of disturbingness. Findings indicated significant multivariate differences for gender and age, with girls and younger students more disturbed by virtually all categories of behaviors. Externalizing behaviors such as aggressive/defiant were rated as most disturbing. Findings are interpreted per their relation to gender differences and developmental changes, and implications for inclusion are discussed.