A developmental perspective on popularity and the group process of bullying. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pouwels, J. Loes; Lansu, Tessa A.M.; Cillessen, Antonius H.N.
• Is Part Of: Aggression and violent behavior. Volume 43(2018)
• Page Start: 64
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Bullying -- Victimization -- Participant roles -- Popularity -- Adolescence -- Peer relationships; Aggressiveness -- Periodicals; Violence -- Periodicals; Violent offenders -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 302.54
• DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2018.10.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1789

Abstract

Abstract: Bullying is a group process in which youths have different roles (bully, assistant, reinforcer, defender, outsider, victim). Although many studies have examined the group process of bullying in childhood, few have examined the group process of bullying in adolescence. This paper addresses how the group process of bullying is different in adolescence than in childhood due to the greater importance of popularity in adolescence. We review studies on the prevalence of the bullying participant roles in adolescence and the social status and behaviors associated with them. We discuss practical implications for anti-bullying programs in secondary school and provide suggestions for further research. Highlights: The group process of bullying differs between childhood and adolescence. The popularity profiles of the bullying participant roles vary by age. Bullies/followers are more popular in adolescence than in childhood. Defenders are less popular in adolescence than in childhood.