Psycho-social profile of school going children involved in any form of bullying

Abstract

Introduction: Bullying is intentional, repeated negative behavior by one or more persons directed against a person who can’t defend him/herself. Over all prevalence of bullying in Indian schools in previous studies is 53%. Bullying is major problem in both adolescents and children. With advent of increased aggression and violence in schools studying bullying and its effects is necessary especially in the Indian context where there is paucity of literature. Aims and Objectives: The present study is an attempt to assess prevalence of bullying, identifying bullies and victims and to study the psycho-social profile of school going children involved in any form of bullying. Materials and Methods: The total sample comprised of 249 students studying in the 5th and 6th class. They were administered the Peer Interaction in Primary School Questionnaire (PIPS), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and details like weight, height and academic performance were also collected. Results: In the current study boys were more predominant in the bullies group. Verbal bullying (teasing and making fun) was more frequent compared to physical forms. Bully victim groups significantly had more emotional symptoms, peer problems and hyperactivity compared to other groups. Bully group had more conduct problems compared to other groups. Keywords: Bullies, Victims, Bully-victims, Psychosocial profile.