Bullying and Ostracism Screening Scales (BOSS): Development and Applications

The Bullying and Ostracism Screening Scale (BOSS) is a brief self-report measure for detecting bullying and ostracism in pediatric populations. Preliminary psychometric studies with 426 children 10–14 years old from pediatric clinics and schools yielded a promising measure with screening sensitivity superior to parent report. Additional analyses with 1076 students support BOSS factor structure and utility. Bullying and ostracism were significantly correlated with self-reported depression and threats to self-esteem, belonging, control, and meaningful existence. The BOSS is a cost-effective instrument for health care professionals wishing to screen for bullying and ostracism in pediatric populations with somatic, academic, emotional, and behavioral issues.