Chapter 4 - In the Looking Glass: A Reciprocal Effects Model Elucidating the Complex Nature of Bullying, Psychological Determinants, and the Central Role of Self-Concept
This chapter addresses the multidimensional self-concepts and other personality characteristics of bullies and victims. Bullying is a growing and significant problem in many schools around the world. Bullying is a deliberate act designed to inflict physical and psychological harm. It involves a person's or group's intentional, hurtful action directed toward one person or more than one person and involves a complex interplay of dominance and social status. Engaging in bullying also has adverse consequences for bullies. A link among bullying behaviors at school and future criminality, poor mental health, and diminished school performance has been identified. Bullies might not have the socially valued means to gain a positive self-concept through competence and good performance at school. Therefore, bullies organize their self-esteem around strength, power, and physical superiority over others. Harming others may become a way of reaffirming self-identity and of compensating for frustration in other areas, such that students engage in behaviors to protect and enhance their self concept.
