Chapter 3 - A Theoretical Review of Bullying: Can It Be Eliminated?

Abstract

This chapter provides a theoretical framework for analyzing bullying. The framework uses a social-biological perspective that suggests that bullying behavior might serve specific social and evolutionarily adaptive functions. Bullying, commonly known in the research literature as “peer victimization” or “peer harassment,” is a form of social interaction that many children and adolescents encounter. Peer harassment is a form of social interaction that many school children experience. Self-reports are the most common method of assessment. With this method, youth are asked to indicate how frequently they experience various forms of harassment within a given time frame. Peer harassment manifests itself in different forms. In addition to physical and direct verbal aggression, threats, destruction of property, invasion of physical space, gestures, and indirect aggression are also considered forms of peer harassment. Potential negative consequences are associated with bullying for students who do not fall into the roles of bullies, victims, or bully-victims. Perceptions of high peer victimization levels within a school have been found to be associated with more negative perceptions of school climate, which in turn have been related to decreased school engagement.