NEWS

Pamela Orpinas

Creative Research Medal 2007

Pamela Orpinas, Professor of Health Promotion and Behavior, is recognized internationally as an expert on bullying and violence among school-aged children and adolescents. Drawing upon health promotion and psychological theories, Orpinas examined the determinants of violent behavior and developed evaluation programs to prevent and reduce aggression in this age group. She also translated her basic research into specific strategies to help educators and school administrators prevent bullying. The American Psychological Association invited Orpinas and coauthor and UGA colleague Arthur Horneto write a book on the subject.Bullying prevention: Creating a positive school climate and developing social competence is the only APA book on this topic. She also developed and published an “aggression scale,” which has been requested by scientists from around the world.