Bullies want status and affection [irishhealth.com]
- Last Updated: Friday, 26 March 2010 10:11
As many as 15% of children are thought to be the victims of bullying, which can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression. Now a new study has found that most bullies are motivated by the pursuit of status and affection.
Dutch researchers questioned almost 500 primary school children, aged nine to 12.
They found that bullies generally chose to gain status by dominating their victims. However at the same time, they tried to reduce the chances that they would end up as outcasts with other classmates by choosing victims who were viewed as weak and not well liked by others.
In other words, even bullies care a lot about the affection of others and do not want to lose it, the researchers said.
Full Story: www.irishhealth.com
