Differences between bullies and victims, and men and women, on aggression‐related variables among prisoners

Abstract

This study assessed how behaviour indicative of bullying in prison settings is related to a variety of measures associated with aggression. Adult offenders (728 men and 525 women) from 11 prisons in the UK completed a 99-item checklist measuring behaviour indicative of 'bullying others' and of 'being bullied', as well as a range of other behavioural measures. They also completed a 43-item Response to Victimization Scale (RVS), asking about their responses to a scenario involving bullying; and measures of impulsiveness, and attributions about their aggression. Those classed as bullies showed, in response to the scenario, higher scores than non-bullies on direct verbal and physical aggression, indirect aggression, verbal and physical displaced aggression, and revenge plans and fantasies; and lower values for fear/avoidance; they also showed higher impulsiveness and instrumental and expressive attributions. Those classed as victims showed higher scores than non-victims for fear/avoidance, displaced physical aggression and impulsiveness. These main effects of bullying or victimization, with no interactions, are discussed in relation to hypotheses based on a previous four-category classification of those involved in bullying. There were large sex differences in the male direction for direct physical aggression, and in the female direction for fear/avoidance. There were smaller differences in the male direction for revenge, indirect aggression and direct verbal aggression. These are discussed in relation to an evolutionary theory of sex differences in aggression.