Copyright Malvin Porter, Jr. 2010 - acumen - The University of ...

claims that many children are robbed of daily learning opportunities because they are bullied and
victimized.
Effects of Bullying
Bully victimization has been linked to many negative consequences for children’s
physical health and mental health (Conners-Burrow et al., 2009). Engagement in bullying has
been shown to have adverse effects on perpetrators and victims of bullying such as diminished
well-being (e.g., quality of life/life satisfaction) in a sample of elementary and middle school
children (Flashpohler et al., 2009). Students who bully and/or who are victimized by bullies were
found to experience reduced life satisfaction and support from peers and teachers compared to
bystanders (that is, children who are neither victims nor perpetrators of bullying). It is important
to explore the psychosocial functioning of children involved in bully/victim problems, and the
factors that protect children from negative outcomes (Flashpohler et al., 2009).
Children who are victimized by peers have been shown to exhibit more internalizing
behaviors, such as being quiet or withdrawn, depressed, and anxious (Craig, 1998; Schwartz et
al., 1998). Victims are less socially accepted by their peers than children in the other bully
groups and are more isolated than other children (Rigby, 2003; Veenstra et al., 2005). In
particular, victims are rejected by peers (Salmivalli, Lagerspetz, Bjorkqvist, Osterman, &
Kaukiainen, 1996), have few friends, and are lonely and unhappy at school (T. Nansel et al.,
2001a).
Several studies have documented the relationship between involvement in bullying and
mental health problems, specifically depression (Austin & Joseph, 1996; Craig, 1998; Espelage
& Swearer, 2003). A meta-analysis of twenty years of cross-sectional studies demonstrates an
association between peer victimization and psychosocial maladjustment, including depression,
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