SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF BULLYING: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGGRESSIVENESS AND SCHOOL ANXIETY

Abstract

Purpose of the study: Bullying is considered as a form of aggression. As opposed to accidental quarrel or fight, bullying is intentional aggressive behaviour demonstrated regularly. Aggressive actions that teenagers below the age of criminal responsibility take at school cause a public outcry. At the same time, developmental psychologists point out problems of self-esteem and forming self-concept typical of modern 5th and 6th graders. We analyze the relationship between the content of teenagers’ fears, anxiety and aggressiveness.
 Methodology: The methodological basis of the research lies both in the concepts of the Buss-Perry psychology of aggression and the psychology of anxiety by А. M. Prikhozhan. Anxiety scale for schoolchildren aged 10—12. Buss-Perry method BPAQ. Perfectionism questionnaire – the Russian version of the АРS-R scale.
 Principal Findings: We identified highly isolated students in each class. According to the data of participant observation and teachers’ expert evaluations, they become victims of aggressors as well as those of “observers” who take the position of passive aggressors. The “outcasts” are usually overanxious, demonstrate a high level of hostility and tend to be aggressive in their behaviour. There are good reasons to suppose that they’ll turn into aggressors in the future.
 Applications of this study: We developed, tested and implemented a psychological support programme for adolescents and preadolescents. The psychological support programme is aimed at working with both victims and aggressors. Similarly essential is the work with “observers” who take the position of passive aggressors.
 Novelty of this study: According to the results of the research, all members of a social group participate in bullying to different extents. Fears of bullies are related to confirmation of their relatively high status in the social group. Concerns of victims are connected with the financial position of their families.