Bully-Victims: A Case Study

The word “bully-victim” is drawn within the grey areas, a phenomenon grasping concepts and of both bullying and victimisation. It embodies the definition of bullying, Yang and Salmivalli (2013) states it is a continuous assault that aims to inflict verbal, physical or psychological distress on a weaker individual (Olweus, 1996). Studies suggest that bully-victims are an impressive group of people due to the portrayal of distinct characteristics (Yang and Salmivalli, 2013), that could be caused by the differing attachment and parenting styles (Bowers, Smith & Binney, 1994). As such, this study seeks to understand the various probable causes that lead to the development of bully-victims who are trapped in a vicious cycle of bullying and victimisation. The lack of protection from peers increases the need to be aggressive, and over time, could result in psychological disorder. With the introduction of modern technology, direct and indirect bullying is enhanced by the use of cyber-bullying. As anonymity is granted in cyber-bullying, it increases the difficulty of intervention and potentially leads to a spiral down of the negativity of self. In conclusion, this study aims to understand bully-victims from a psychosocial perspective that could help in its counselling intervention. …show more content…
As such, a suggested method could be to study the same group of children over the period of middle childhood and adolescence. It requires several years to ensure a holistic picture of the research of bully-victims, and able to provide greater insight as compared to self-report tests and questionnaires. Additionally, further research could be conducted in the education of intervention, possible causes and developmental stage that a child might face during a certain age. This could provide a deterrence to the growth of bullies, victims and