Factor structure of the bullying situations identification (bsi) instrument

The author explored the underlying dimensions and construct validity of the Bullying Situations Identification Instrument (BSI; Hazler, Miller, Carney, and Green, 2001) using exploratory factor analyses. Three dimensions of bullying severity were found using 251 school professionals as participants. The three factors that emerged from analyses were (a) social/emotional, (b) physical, and (c) verbal. That is, school professionals appear to cognitively construct bullying severity in terms of the nature of the harm incurred. Implications for the use and continuing development of the BSI are presented herein.