Psychological effect of bullying can last
Published: April 23, 2008 at 1:16 AM
GAINESVILLE, Fla., April 23 (UPI) -- The psychological consequences of social bullying -- spreading rumors and gossip -- can linger into early adulthood, a University of Florida study shows.
Lead author Allison Dempsey, a doctoral student at the University of Florida, says social bullies target a child's social status and relationships by shunning them, excluding them from social activities or spreading rumors -- instead of threatening physical violence.
"If a child tries to punch someone or kick someone, there's evidence of that happening," Dempsey says in a statement. "There's a definite aggressor and a definite victim. When it comes to spreading rumors and gossiping, that's a lot more difficult to prove who's doing it. And it's harder to provide consequences."
In a study of 210 college students questioned about their high school experience, the researchers discovered a link between what psychologists call relational victimization in adolescence and depression and anxiety in early adulthood.
"I think many people have the belief that victimization is a normal rite of passage in childhood," Storch says. "While it certainly does happen to most kids, it's not acceptable."
The findings are published in the journal Psychology in the Schools.
Lead author Allison Dempsey, a doctoral student at the University of Florida, says social bullies target a child's social status and relationships by shunning them, excluding them from social activities or spreading rumors -- instead of threatening physical violence.
"If a child tries to punch someone or kick someone, there's evidence of that happening," Dempsey says in a statement. "There's a definite aggressor and a definite victim. When it comes to spreading rumors and gossiping, that's a lot more difficult to prove who's doing it. And it's harder to provide consequences."
In a study of 210 college students questioned about their high school experience, the researchers discovered a link between what psychologists call relational victimization in adolescence and depression and anxiety in early adulthood.
"I think many people have the belief that victimization is a normal rite of passage in childhood," Storch says. "While it certainly does happen to most kids, it's not acceptable."
The findings are published in the journal Psychology in the Schools.
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This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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