The relationship between strengths in youth and bullying experiences at school

Abstract

Bullying is a serious problem plaguing educational systems and influencing the lives of many youth. The consequences of bullying, for both bullies and victims, are numerous and well-established, including increased emotional and behavioural problems, difficulties in peer relationships, and poor academic achievement. To date, little research has been completed that explores the role of strengths in the bullying experiences of youth. An understanding of students’ strengths could aid in the development of appropriate intervention and prevention programming and to promoting the well-being of youth. Therefore, this study examined the relationships between strengths in youth and bullying experiences within a comprehensive strength-based framework. Participants were 263 students (112 males) recruited from Grades 7 and 8 classes in Ontario, Canada. Participants completed self-report questionnaires on bullying and victimisation experiences and a broad range of personal strengths. The results of this study did not support a direct relationship between overall strengths and bullying behaviours and victimisation experiences. However, some specific strengths were identified as predictors of both bullying and victimisation. Of note, while having more strengths in some domains predicted reduced rates of bullying and victimisation, having more strengths in other domains predicted increased rates of both bullying and victimisation, suggesting a masking effect. These results highlight the importance of further exploring the relationship between strengths and bullying as well as the possible benefits of providing strength-based intervention and prevention programmes.