Pathways to Bullying and Victimization—Psychological Perspectives

Abstract

Background Previous researches have explained pathways leading to victimization and bullying. However, the origin of the process and link between the factors leading to bullying behaviour and victimization is less known knowledge. Objective The current study aimed to understand the personal experiences of bullies and victims using qualitative approach. The study focused on the experiences in different dimensions of Family dynamics; Defence mechanism; Coping; Perception of school; Life events; and Role of peers, teachers, and parents. Method The study undertaken utilizes a qualitative research design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 10 bullies and 6 victims from different CBSE schools of Kerala. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect data. The data from the interviews were analyzed using qualitative methods of content analysis and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results The bullies displaced the anger while the victims tried to repress the emotions turning the anger inward. The bullies and victims experienced insecure attachment styles. However, bullies got disengaged from their families and victims got enmeshed with their parents. Bullies tend to describe bullying as “fun” and victims on the other hand restrict themselves from expressing their feelings of hurt and laugh when targeted. The contradictory meanings created by bullies and victims influenced their perception of school and their worldview. This also makes one group become responsible while make another group feel helpless. Conclusions The social implications and scope of further research suggestions will be discussed.