If you ever wondered if there was something wrong with bullies and those who engage in bullying behaviors, researchers now have some better idea.
It could be a component of a mental disorder, according to a study out of Brown University and presented today at the American Academy of Pediatrics annual meeting.
After analyzing responses from a parent survey, the researchers found that those who were considered bullies were more than twice as likely to experience depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorder (ADD or ADHD).
Bullying is a problem in many schools. But we need to realize that bullying isn’t always just plain ‘ole bad behavior. Sometimes there are other factors at play.
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interesting. i imagine that calling someone a name like a bully also plays into the whole self fulfilling prophecy dynamic too. its become a catch phrase for anyone without a backbone to cry victim rather than just developing a backbone or assertiveness skills. there is bullying behavior but its not an identity its a behavior–any everyone and anyone is capable of it at anytime. so, as soon as we all own it–it will fade. the problem isn’t one person engaging in bullying–its groups of people perhaps with this disorder who band together for whatever reason—individuals who feel weak and vulnerable when alone in the face of conflict or insecurity–who find comfort in others feeling the same way….and then it is not a given that behavior will turn to bullying but rather that maladaptive coping skills don’t have a chance to be corrected or influenced as a way of integretating into the garden of healing and growth.
I think this is great information. Perhaps the key to ending bullying is to help parents and teachers of bullies to understand that the bullies themselves are in danger of mental suffering (perhaps even suicide)just like the victims. Like the saying goes, “Hurt people hurt people.”
Great article! One challenge I have often experienced with bullies is getting their parents to by into the utility of individual, as well as family, psychotherapy. Would love to hear others’ thoughts on achieving this objective more efficiently.