Avoidance at School: Further Specifying the Influence of Disorder, Victimization, and Fear

Using data collected in 2007 from a national sample of nearly 3,500 students this study explores the utility of a more integrated approach to understanding student avoidance behavior. More specifically, the interactive influences of school disorder/incivilities and previous experiences with school-based victimization are assessed in estimating student avoidance behavior, via school fear. Results show that several of these interactions were significant in estimating student avoidance behavior. Such findings imply promise for an integrated, interactional approach to theoretical under-standing of student fear-related avoidance. Keywords avoidance behavior, fear of crime, disorder, school crime In the 2007–2008 school year, 75 % of public schools reported one or more incidents of violent crime (Dinkes, Kemp, Baum, & Snyder, 2009). While most incidents were ‘‘nonserious,’ ’ it is clear that student victimization is something with which most of our nation’s schools must contend. Student responses to potential crime and victimization are additional concerns. For instance, in 2007, more students reported being afraid of attack or harm at school than away from school, and approximatel