Examining school attacks in Brazil: a Grounded Theory-Based study

• Grant number: 23/07891-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Psychological Treatment and Prevention
• Principal Investigator: Wanderlei Abadio de Oliveira
• Grantee: Sofia Falsetti Xavier
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa, Pós-Graduação e Extensão. Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (PUC-CAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Schools should be considered safe spaces for students. However, over the past two decades, Brazil has witnessed instances of violent attacks in schools. This type of attack is considered epidemic in the United States of America and has been gaining momentum in other countries, such as Brazil. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency and nature of school attacks in Brazilian schools, with the goal of achieving a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. This is a qualitative study based on the principles of Grounded Theory. The methodological framework to be followed has been adapted and will consist of the following steps: thematic definition; data collection, which will occur through theoretical and purposive sampling for data generation; initial coding, an analytical process used to identify concepts, similarities, and conceptual recurrences in the collected data; categorization, a stage that will allow the identification of a central category through data theoretical saturation; new synthesis; and the establishment of a Grounded Theory, an integrated and comprehensive product that can explain, to some extent, the specific phenomenon under study. It is expected to provide initial insights to the field of Psychology regarding the school attacks that have occurred in Brazil in recent years.