Lonely in the crowd: Recollections of bullying

Abstract

This study examined the long-term correlates of victimization in school with aspects of functioning in adult life, using a specially designed Retrospective Bullying Questionnaire, which also included questions about short-term effects (e.g. suicidal ideation and intrusive memories) and victimization experiences in adulthood. Current relationship quality was assessed in terms of self-perception, attachment style and friendship quality. In total, 884 adults (35% male) from two occupations (teacher, student) and three countries (Spain, Germany, UK) participated. Victims and especially stable victims (in both primary and secondary school) scored lower on general self-esteem and higher on emotional loneliness, and reported more difficulties in maintaining friendships, than non-victims. Victims in secondary school had a lower self-esteem in relation to the opposite sex and were more often fearfully attached. The data revealed additional differences by gender, occupation and country level, but no further interactions with victim status. This indicates a general association between victimization in school and quality of later life predominately robust to variations in gender, occupation and country. Possible limitations caused by the retrospective nature of victimization reports are acknowledged.

The Significance of Reciprocal and Unilateral Friendships for Peer Victimization in Adolescence

“…Previous studies have reported that victims are likely to have fewer friends outside of school than non-involved adolescents or have more difficulties in maintaining friendships (Schäfer et al 2004). Our study may add to that information as it shows that it is probably true for victims but not for bully-victims.…”

Bullying victimisation and paranoid ideation in people at ultra high risk for psychosis

“…The questionnaire contains several sections with a total of 44 items (Schafer et al, 2004). Participants are asked to answer questions about their experiences during primary school and secondary school/college.…”

The relationship between difficulties in psychological adjustment in young adulthood and exposure to bullying behaviour in childhood and adolescence

“…Students who reported that they were exposed to bullying through the period of both the lower and upper grades of primary school were more likely to develop psychological problems compared to those who were exposed to bullying in one of these two periods (during the lower grades of elementary school or only in the higher grade) (54).…”

“…The duration of exposure to violent behavior is another significant factor in the development of long-term psychological consequences in individuals exposed to violent behavior (54). Students who reported that they were exposed to bullying through the period of both the lower and upper grades of primary school were more likely to develop psychological problems compared to those who were exposed to bullying in one of these two periods (during the lower grades of elementary school or only in the higher grade) (54).…”