PERCEIVED REASONS AND EFFECTS OF VERBAL ABUSE ON GRADE 7:

AN INQUIRY




A Term Paper Presented to the faculty of Lourdes College High School
Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City


In Partial Fulfillment of the Subject Requirement in
English Communication IV

Fernandez, Nia Angelee
Geverola, Don Marc
Gimena, Joule Mae
Salvaa, Lorena

February 2013

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
When two people talk, sometimes inappropriate language is uttered because of
their ill feelings towards each other. People may have negative experiences in their
interactions with others in their everyday lives. Much as they want to maintain good
relationship with someone, unconsciously or consciously they are able to say words that
are unpleasant to the ears of someone.
According to Hammer (2009), from his research, Deflecting Verbal Attacks
(VAPS), teachers, security, parents, all too often are confronted with vicious and
unnerving verbal attacks by students and children. In many cases, a kid will misbehave
for whatever reasons: out of control and confused about how to handle his or her
feelings. Growing up and surviving the tinderbox which is our schools can be harrowing
and frustrating, to be sure.
According to Evans, Patricia (1996) verbal abuse is a problem to many people
because it destroys relationship and even breaks the hearts of people regardless of
age, religion, gender, culture and social orientation. Unlike in physical abuse, the scars
or bruises of verbal abuse are not visible but it can destroy the confidence and self
esteem of someone.
The book entitled Stop! Youre Driving Me Crazy, written by George Bach and
Ronald Deutch describes the phenomenon of crazy making. This includes the effect of
crazy making experience like feeling temporarily off of balance, feeling lost and not
knowing where to turn and feeling caught off guard.
Children with disabilities too are subjected to verbal abuse and discrimination,
not only from their classmates but also from their teachers. A 14-year-old student in
Bangladesh (UNICEF, 2003) reported that:
Because of my disability with my right hand it takes me one hour to write what
the other children can write in 20 minutes. My teacher never considers this as a
disadvantage and she gives me the same time as my classmate for completing the
exams.
According to the research of Eliasson MA, Laflamme L, and Isaksson K., Boys
reported experiencing insults and threats to a greater extent. Both genders reported
boys as perpetrators of verbal abuse most often. Further, girls generally reported lower
levels of school satisfaction and well-being, while verbal abuse had a negative effect on
the well-being of both genders.
Much more destruction to the younger victims of verbal abuse, bullying can be a
form of verbal abusive behavior, whether the perpetrator is an adult or their peers. Many
researches attested the negative effects of verbal abuse to children in school or even at
home.
In line with this, the researchers would like to conduct a study that aims to
identify, evaluate the reasons and effects of verbal abuse among grade 7 students of
Lourdes College Basic Education Department.


Objectives of the Study
The researchers would like to achieve the following objectives of these study:
First, to determine the presence of verbal abuse inside the classroom; second to
determine the different forms of verbal abuse experienced by the Grade 7 students
inside the classroom; third, to identify the effect of verbal abuse experienced by the
Grade 7 students, fourth to identify the reasons why students verbally abuse their
classmates inside the campus; and lastly, to identify possible recommendation in
minimizing if not eradicating, verbal abuse of students inside the school campus.
Significance of the Study
The success of this study will be beneficial to the following people namely:
The students. This study will help them overcome their bad feelings towards
themselves, so that they may be enlightened and that they may resume their studies
with their heart and mind set to their goal of success.
The teacher. This study will assist and remind them of the importance of
regularly monitoring and identifying perpetrators of verbally abusive behaviors towards
their students inside the classroom.
The parents. This study will be beneficial for them to be aware of their childs
situation at school. This study will help them guide and enlighten their children with their
rights for protection against abusive behavior of their classmates inside the classroom/
school campus with the aid of the PSAD.

The PSAD. This study will guide her to come up with disciplinary actions to the
perpetrators and connect with the guidance office in terms of debriefing the victims of
verbal abuse.
The guidance counselor. This study will assist her in the proper dissemination of
information regarding disciplinary sanctions to perpetrators of verbal abuse inside the
classroom/ school campus during schools orientation program.

Scope and Delimitation
The study will only focus on determining the perceived reasons and effects of
verbal abuse in the grade 7 students of Lourdes College Basic Education Department
school year 2012 - 2013.
This study will focus on the behavior of the students and will not include the
psychological impact of verbal abuse to Grade 7 students.
The respondents were chosen using Slovins Formula in Grade 7 level. There are
33 respondents randomly selected from each of the 3 sections of the Grade 7 level in
school year 2012 2013; namely: St. Aloysius, St. Beatrice and St. Cyril.




METHODOLOGY
Research Design
The research design employed in the study is the questionnaire survey method.
The questionnaire consisted of 3 parts namely: Part I forms of verbal abuse
experienced by students, Part 2 effects/results of verbal abuse experienced by
students, Part 3 respondents perceived reasons for verbally abusing someone. The
survey questionnaire was intended to determine or identify the number of students who
experienced verbal abuse inside the classroom and also to identify the different forms of
verbal abuse committed by the perpetrators. It also determines the effects of verbal
abuse to student victims as well as the reasons of perpetrators of verbal abuse to the
victim.
Questionnaires were gathered, recorded and tabulated. After tabulating the data,
appropriate statistical procedure was used to have correct statistical results.
Sampling Method
Random Sampling will be utilized in this study. The researchers used this
sampling design for the reason that all samples of the same size have an equal chance
of being selected from the entire population. In order to obtain the number of
respondents, the researchers used the Slovins formula. Through this formula the
researchers would have 33 respondents for each of the 3 sections of grade 7 level of
Lourdes College Basic Education School Year 2012-2013 namely: St. Aloysius, St.
Beatrice and St. Cyril.
Chapter 2
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
INDICATORS :
Forms of
Verbal Abuse
MEAN INTERPRET
ATION
I1.) I was yelled, mocked and harassed.
Harassment 1.8 SOMETIMES
I2.) He/ She always demanded for something that
I don't like.
Harassment 1.9 SOMETIMES
I3.) I was discriminated by my gender.
Harassment 1.3 NEVER
I4. I was discriminated by my disability and
physical characteristics.
Judging/
Criticizing
1.7 SOMETIMES
I5). I have experienced abusive jokes.
Bullying 2.2 SOMETIMES
I6.) I have experienced verbal threats like
physical violence and destruction of my property.
Threatening 1.6 SOMETIMES
I7. )I have experienced to be name called.
Name
calling
2.2 ALWAYS
I8.)I was accused of something that I have never
made.
Accusing 1.8 SOMETIMES
I9.)I notice that they are always criticizing /
judging me every time I pass.
Judging/
Criticizing
1.8 SOMETIMES
10.) I notice that they are opposing when I talk. Blocking &
diverting
1.7 SOMETIMES




Table 1: Shows that forms of verbal
abuse experienced by students.
SCALE
1.0 -1.4 = NEVER
1.5 - 2.4=SOMETIMES
2.5 -3.0 = ALWAYS


Figure 1 shows the mean distribution of the students experience about verbal abuse.
The data showed that I have experienced abusive jokes and I have
experienced to be name called got the highest mean of 2.2 while I was discriminated
by my gender got the least mean of 1.3.
The most present form of verbal abuse in the Grade 7 level is bullying and name
calling. These two are related to each other, name-calling are just like pig, black and
etc and bullying is like name calling but this form of verbal is fused to also with
physical abuse.
The data implies that the students have most experienced being abusively joked
by their fellow classmates or schoolmates. Words may seem not to be hurtful like that of
physical abuse but it may stay for life and earn some burden deep inside his/her heart.


1.7
1.8
1.8
2.2
1.6
2.2
1.7
1.3
1.9
1.8
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
I-10.
I-9.
I-8.
I-7.
I-6.
I-5.
I4.
I-3.
I-2.
I-1.
Mean Distribution of forms of verbal abuse experienced by students.
INDICATORS MEAN INTERPRETATION
I1: I feel that I have change. 2.0 SOMETIMES
I2: I feel embarrassed when they verbally abuse me. 2.0 SOMETIMES
I3: I feel that I cant express myself the way I want. 1.6 SOMETIMES
I4: I feel dont want to go to school anymore. 1.6 SOMETIMES
I5: I feel I want to be alone always and forever. 1.6 SOMETIMES
I6: I feel everyone hates me. 1.7 SOMETIMES
I7: I feel that I will never step to success. 1.5 SOMETIMES
I8: I feel want to make them suffer someday. 1.8 SOMETIMES
I9: I feel that I am shy, thus I cant communicate with
somebody else and open up my feelings.
1.8 SOMETIMES
I10: I feel that I am influenced, thats why Im doing it also
to others
1.8 SOMETIMES




Figure 2 shows the mean distribution of the effects/ results of verbal abuse to
students.
1.8
1.8
1.8
1.5
1.7
1.6
1.6
1.6
2
2
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
I-10
I-9
I-8.
I-7.
I-6.
I-5.
I-4.
I-3.
I-2.
I-1.
Mean Distribution of the effects/results verbal abuse.
Table 2: Shows the effects/results of verbal
abuse to the students.
SCALE
1.0 -1.4 = NEVER
1.5 - 2.4=SOMETIMES
2.5 -3.0 = ALWAYS

The data shows that I feel that I have changed and I feel embarrassed when
they verbally abuse me got the highest mean of 2.0 while I feel that I will never step to
success someday got the least mean of 1.5.
The effects of verbal abuse to a student are not just a moment but this may take
time to her mind. Though he/she tries not to remember it but it pops out time to time.
Thus he/she may act differently as before. And the feeling that he /she carry might not
vanish easily.
The data implies that there is a greater effect of being verbally abused and even
though there is a least chance that the student may feel of failing his/her goal to
success, this once may lead to unexpected negative happenings. The student may not
strive hard and focus his/her mind to be able to reach success.










INDICATORS MEAN INTERPRETATION
I1: I want to bully them because its fun to see them
suffer.
1.4 NEVER
I2: I bully him/ her because I hate his gender. 1.2 NEVER
I3: I was bored, so I tend to verbally abuse them. 1.4 NEVER
I4: I like their reaction when I verbally abuse them. 1.3 NEVER
I5: I had name called someone JUST for fun. 1.7 SOMETIMES
I6: I verbally abuse them because of their religion,
gender, appearance, and their capability in doing things.
1.3 NEVER
I7: I verbally abuse someone because it makes me
popular.
1.2 NEVER
I8: I verbally abuse someone because its true and they
deserve It.
1.5 SOMETIMES
I9: Im saying bad words because of my emotions. 1.8 SOMETIMES
I10: I notice that its my habit to abusively tell jokes to
someone.
1.6 SOMETIMES





1.4
1.2
1.4
1.3
1.7
1.3
1.2
1.5
1.8
1.6
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2
I-1.
I-2:
I-3.
I-4.
I-5
I-6.
I-7.
I-8.
I-9.
I-10.
Mean distribution of the student's reasons of being verbally abusive.
Table 3 - Student's reasons of being
verbally abusive.
SCALE
1.0 -1.4 = NEVER
1.5 - 2.4=SOMETIMES
2.5 -3.0 = ALWAYS

Figure 3 shows the mean distribution of the students reasons of being verbally
abusive.
The data shows that "Im saying bad words because of my emotion. got the
highest mean of 1.8 and that I bully him/her because I hate his gender and I verbally
abuse someone because it makes me popular got the least mean of 1.2.
The data implies that the students blow out words because of their emotions and
unconsciously hurt someone badly. In every problem there is a solution, in this its
between you and yourself that can change your attitude as who you are. Emotion might
be the enemy of your own self.
The data show the forms of verbal abuse that student respondent experienced,
their effects and the reason why they are verbally abuse. In instant you might feel this in
your own. Verbal abuse can be controlled by its beholder.







Chapter 3
Summary
This term paper is conducted to determine the reasons and effects of verbal
abuse among the grade 7 students. The grade 7 stage is the new chapter of their lives
as of now. In this stage puberty stage comes, in which maturity is along with them. As
what the researchers found out in this level consciousness and insecurities come into
their mind every now and then; factors which they cant really control themselves. For
these reasons, the grade 7 levels were held as respondents for this research.
From the 132 total population of the grade7 level, through Slovins formula, the
researchers will have 99 respondents as sample size for this study. The researchers
distributed survey form for 99 respondents from the grade 7 level through random
sampling. All of them responded that they have experienced forms of verbal abuse in
their lives. Or that they have verbally abused someone.
The researchers aim to know the reasons and effects of verbal abuse. The
response shows that they have experienced having abusive jokes and being name
called. Because of this they would have been embarrassed which got the highest mean
for the effects. The reason why they have unconsciously hurt someone is because they
blow out words because of their emotions.




CONCLUSION
The researchers conclude that based on the gathered data most of the Grade 7
respondents had experienced abusive jokes and to be name called. Furthermore most
students commonly say bad words and bully others because of their emotions. These
means, that the students personality must be disciplined especially in terms of verbal
abuse that may cause the victims to be embarrassed and choose to change their
character.
The survey questionnaire both Part I, Part II & Part III are answered with the same
student, thus this mean that the victim is as the same time, the perpetrator. The victim
wanted to revenge base on the survey that they want to see the perpetrators suffer
someday. The cycle of verbal abuse may get through to no ending.

RECOMMENDATION
The researchers, therefore, recommend that the students may be given the
chance to have counseling to both parties the victim and the perpetrators.

Students must be aware of what they say, whether they have hurt other feelings
that would cause them to disrespect. Most of them have done things incident because
of their emotions, but when they let it out they must assure that no one will get hurt.

The act or law that fits this study is act 7610 which is all about child abuse under
it is the different kind of abuse just like the verbal abuse. This act must be implemented
inside the classroom. With the help of this, the teachers will slowly eliminate the
different forms of verbal abuse; through the strictly implementation of the different rules
and regulations of the school.

The researchers also recommended having a guidance intervention program
which will help the students to be aware of the following effects of verbal abuse. That
there are certain rules and regulations written at the students handbook just like 6.1 in
the classroom students should refrain from yelling; 7.11in other related rules Indecent
language will mean disciplinary sanction; 7.15 in other related rules Verbal assault on
anybody inside the school campus (any form of harassment, intimidation) will be
sanctioned. The following offenses just like teasing are in Category B and Using profane
or indecent words or expressions are in Category C.












ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This term paper is never possible without the unending support of the following
people:
To the school administrators especially to S. Ma. Lourdes Darilag, RVM for
allowing and giving us this academic opportunity.
To the teachers, especially:
To the researchers adviser, Ms. Rose Anne France I. Luke, who abundantly
helped and offer invaluable assistance, support and guidance for the success of this
paper.
To the researchers consultant. Ms. Faith T. Tablando, Mrs.Perry Jane Q Caete
Mr. Herwin Vistal and Mrs. Myrna M. Faltonaldo, who both help us on how to work
survey, to compute the mean and how to graph.
To the respondents, the students of Lourdes College High School, who were
willing to answer honestly the following survey.
To the loving parents who humbly shared their wisdom and time and who
supported us financially for this term paper.
To all of the persons who humbly shared their wisdom and time.
And to the Almighty Father for His guidance and wisdom which gave the
researchers courage and strength to make this research study a successful one.




Table of Contents

Title Page i
Table of Content
Acknowledgement ii

Chapter 1
Introduction 1-2
Objectives of the Study 3
Significance of the Study 3-4
Scope and Delimitation 4
Methodology
Research design 5
Sampling Method 5

Chapter 2
Results and Discussions 6-10

Chapter 3
Summary and conclusion
Summary 11
Conclusion 12
Recommendation 12-13

Bibliography
Appendices
Appendix A- Informed Consent
Appendix B-Letter to Sister Principal
Appendix C-Working Bibliography
Appendix D- Rubric for Term Paper
Appendix E-Rubric for Term paper Oral Defense

List of Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3















Approval Sheet

This term paper entitled Perceived Reasons and Effects of Verbal Abuse on
Grade 7: An Inquiry prepared and submitted by, Joule Mae B. Gimena, Don Marc
Geverola, Nia Angelee C. Fernandez Lorena Mae A. Salvaa, in partial fulfillment in
English communication arts IV has been examined and recommended for Oral
examination.
MISS ROSE ANNE FRANCENE I. LUKE
Term Paper Adviser
______________________________________________________________________
PANEL OF EXAMINERS
Approved by the committee on Oral Defense with a grade of_____


MS. MA. ALEMIL L.FONTILLAR
Panelist


MRS. JOSEPHINE L. PERAS
Panelist


MR.ELDRICH N. BALURAN
Panelist


Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirement
for the second curriculum.

S. MA LOURDES A. DARILAG, RVM
Principal


February 2013
January , 2013
Dear Parents/Guardian,
Praised be Jesus and Mary!
Your son/ daughter is invited to participate in the research study on Perceived Reasons and Effects of
Verbal Abuse on Grade 7 Level: An Inquiry. The Objective of the study is to determine the following forms of verbal
abuse present in the chosen respondents and to determine the cause and effects of it. Your child may experience
exposure and revelation of their personal information, but rest assured that the information in the study records will be
kept confidential. All information will be terminated at the completion of the study.
We would also like to inform you about the studys significance and benefits:
This study will help the students, for them to overcome their bad feelings towards themselves, and so that
they may resume their studies with their heart and mind-set their goal to success; this study will also benefit the
teachers, for them to be aware of how to handle such cases in their respective classrooms; and lastly this study will
be beneficial for the parents to be aware of their childs situation at school.
Your sons/daughters participation in this study is voluntary; you may decide whether or not to participate
without consequence.
Hoping for your favorable response!
Respectfully yours,
The Researchers


INFORMED CONSENT

I have read the above information, reviewed the questionnaire (if one is involved) and agree to participate in this
study.

Participants Parents Printed Name________________________ Age _____ Signature ________________
Address: ________________________________________________ Contact No. __________________

Researchers Printed Name: Nina Angelee C. Fernandez Age: 15 Signature: _________________
Address Osmena St. Cagayan de Oro City: Contact No. 09169160328

Researchers Printed Name: Joule Mae B. Gimena Age: 15 Signature: _________________
Address: Arcadia Village, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City Contact No.: 09358335066

Researchers Printed Name: Lorena Mae A. Salvana Age: 16 Signature: _________________
Address: Buena Oro, Cagayan de Oro City Contact No. 09264343076

Researchers Printed Name: Don Marc Geverola Age: 16 Signature: _________________
Address: Luminarias Vill Jardin compound Cagayan de Oro City Contact No. 09157563283
Researchers Adviser Ms. Rose Anne France I. Luke Age: 25 Signature: _________________
Address: Lourdes College High School Contact No.09059433478


Dear Respondent,
You have been invited to answer this questionnaire for a research study about the verbal
abuse. Verbal abuse is a way of verbally communicating someone to the extent that you are
unconsciously notice that you are hurting him/her through jokes. Verbal abuse may hurt and
change someones life, and it might turn to negative effect. We are pleased to perform this
research study with you. We are hoping for your cooperation.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: (optional) _______________________________ Sex: ________ Age:______
Section: ______________
General Direction: Please give your honest answer to all items, it is very necessary. Kindly
check the item that corresponds to your answer. Rest assured that your answer will be strictly
kept confidential.
1.) Have you ever experienced being verbally abused?
YES NO
If yes, please proceed on the first part of questionnaire.
If no, please proceed to the next question.
PART I - FORMS OF VERBAL ABUSE EXPERIENCED BY STUDENTS






ALWAYS SOMETIMES NEVER
I was yelled, mocked and harassed.
He/ She always demanded for something that I dont like.
I was discriminated by my gender.
I was discriminated by my disability and physical
characteristics.

I have experienced abusive jokes.
I have experienced verbal threats like physical violence
and destruction of my property.

I have experienced to be name called.
I was accused of something that I have never made.
I notice that they are always criticizing / judging me every
time I pass.

I notice that they are opposing when I talk.
PART II - EFFECTS/ RESULTS OF VERBAL ABUSE


Always Sometimes Never
I feel that I have changed.
I feel embarrassed when they verbally abuse me.
I feel that I cant express myself the way I want.
I feel that I dont want to go to school anymore.
I feel that I want to be alone always and forever.
I feel that everyone hates me.
I feel that I will never step to success.
I feel that I want to make them suffer someday.
I feel that I am shy, thus I cant communicate with somebody
else and open up my feelings.

I feel that I am influenced, thats why Im doing it also to
others.


Have you ever bullied or name called someone?
YES NO
If yes, please proceed to the 2
nd
part of the questionnaire.
If no, please stop answering.


PART III RESPONDENTS PERCEIVED REASONS FOR VERBALLY ABUSING
SOMEONE


ALWAYS SOMETIMES NEVER
I want to bully them because its fun to see them suffer.
I bully him/ her because I hate his gender.
I was bored, so I tend to verbally abuse them.
I like their reaction when I verbally abuse them.
I had name called someone JUST for fun.
I verbally abuse them because of their religion, gender,
appearance, and their capability in doing things.

I verbally abuse someone because it makes me popular.
I verbally abuse someone because its true and they
deserve It.

Im saying bad words because of my emotions.
I notice that its my habit to abusively tell jokes to
someone.