Profile of an Adolescent Bully
Profile of an Adolescent Bully
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 3 Where is the Research? 3
Definition of a Bully 3 Two Types of Bully’s 4 The typical bully 4 The bully victim 4 Beyond Primary Roles 5 Motives 5 Parents of Bullies 5 Different Modes of Bullying 6 Measures of bullying 6 Victims 7 Characteristics 7 Age range 8 Gender specifics 8 Conclusion 8 References 9
Introduction
From 2000 to the present time, there have been well over 600 peer-reviewed articles published on bullying. When compared to the less than 190 articles that were published from 1980 to 2009, one has to acknowledge that this area of research has exploded. Research indicates that between 10% and 30% of children and youth are involved in bullying and that bullying also increases during the middle school period as children enter adolescence (Cook, Williams, Guerra, Kim & Sadek, 2010, p. 65). Talk to any adolescent in school today and they will have their own story about their experience with bullying and there is a consistent agreement that it is becoming more complex to address. This essay is intended to inform the audience of some of the different behaviors and characteristics of bullies, the different methods of bullying, and to explore the possible reasons for origination in order to assist in future prevention and intervention efforts.
Where is the Research?
While performing research for this paper it became quickly noticeable that studies profiling a bully’s traits are scarcely performed. The focus of most research is in areas such as the methods of harassment used by bullies (i.e. cyber bullying), or the ramifications towards society caused by being bullied [i.e. school shootings (Barnett, Miller-Perrin, Perrin, 2011, p. 280).] There is little research focused solely on profiling the bully him/herself. If society is going to make a longstanding change and truly break the cycle of harassment
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 3 Where is the Research? 3
Definition of a Bully 3 Two Types of Bully’s 4 The typical bully 4 The bully victim 4 Beyond Primary Roles 5 Motives 5 Parents of Bullies 5 Different Modes of Bullying 6 Measures of bullying 6 Victims 7 Characteristics 7 Age range 8 Gender specifics 8 Conclusion 8 References 9
Introduction
From 2000 to the present time, there have been well over 600 peer-reviewed articles published on bullying. When compared to the less than 190 articles that were published from 1980 to 2009, one has to acknowledge that this area of research has exploded. Research indicates that between 10% and 30% of children and youth are involved in bullying and that bullying also increases during the middle school period as children enter adolescence (Cook, Williams, Guerra, Kim & Sadek, 2010, p. 65). Talk to any adolescent in school today and they will have their own story about their experience with bullying and there is a consistent agreement that it is becoming more complex to address. This essay is intended to inform the audience of some of the different behaviors and characteristics of bullies, the different methods of bullying, and to explore the possible reasons for origination in order to assist in future prevention and intervention efforts.
Where is the Research?
While performing research for this paper it became quickly noticeable that studies profiling a bully’s traits are scarcely performed. The focus of most research is in areas such as the methods of harassment used by bullies (i.e. cyber bullying), or the ramifications towards society caused by being bullied [i.e. school shootings (Barnett, Miller-Perrin, Perrin, 2011, p. 280).] There is little research focused solely on profiling the bully him/herself. If society is going to make a longstanding change and truly break the cycle of harassment
References: Cook, C.R., Williams, K.R., Guerra, N.G., Kim, T.E., & Sadek, S. (2010). Predictors of bullying and victimization in childhood and adolescence: A meta-analytic investigation. School Psychology Quarterly, 25(2), 65-83. doi: 10.1037/a0020149 Barnett, O.W., Miller-Perin, C.L., & Perrin, R.D. (2011). Family violence across a lifespan. (3rd ed.).Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications. Batsche, G.M. & Knoff, H.M. (1994). Bullies and their victims: Understanding a pervasive problem in the schools. School Psychology Review, 23(2), 165-175. Retrieved May 15, 2013 from: joysquare.org/uploads/3/0/1/7/3017292/bullies_and_their_victims.doc Rivers, I., Poteat, V. P., Noret, N., & Ashurst, N. (2009). Observing bullying at school: The mental health implications of witness status. School Psychology Quarterly, 24(4), 211-223. doi: 10.1037/a0018164 Carbone-Lopez, K., Esbensen, F., & Brick, B. T. (2010). Correlates and consequences of peer victimization: Gender differences in direct and indirect forms of bullying. Youth and Juvenile Justice, 8(4), 332-350. doi: 10.1177/1541204010362954. Strohmeier, D., Wagner, P., Spiel, C., & von Eye, A. (2010). Stability and constancy of bully-victim behavior. Journal of Psychology, 218(3), 185-193. doi: 10.1027/0044-3409/a000028 Green, J.G., Felix, E.D., Sharkey, J.D., Furlong, M.J., & Kras, J.E. (2012). Identifying Bully Victims: Definitional Versus Behavioral Approaches. American Psychological Association, Psychological Assessment. doi: 10.1037/a0031248 Beaty, L. A. & Alexeyev, E. B. (2008). The problem of school bullies: What the research tells us. Adolescence, 43(169), 1-11. Retrieved May 15, 2013 from: http://njbullying.org/documents/beaty-adolesc-research3-08.pdf