The identification of behaviors perceived as respectful and disrespectful by high school students evaluating peer interactions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate what behaviors tend to be viewed as respectful or disrespectful between interacting high school students. Participants who completed the survey were 149 high school students on Oʻahu. Comparisons were made across cultures to determine both common and culture-specific experiences of various peer behaviors as respectful or disrespectful in peer interactions. The data were analyzed for scenarios participants thought were respectful or disrespectful, which resulted in a more refined description and definition of respect and disrespect, and a better understanding for why it is valuable. Analysis showed which behaviors students perceived as respectful or disrespectful, as well as cross cultural comparisons. Results suggested that certain behaviors were viewed as respectful, and others were viewed as disrespectful, as well as explained any differences in perceptions of behaviors between cultures.