In the looking glass : a reciprocal effects model elucidating the complex nature of bullying, psychological determinants, and the central role of self-concept

This chapter addresses the multidimensional self-concepts and other personality characteristics of bullies and victims. We begin with a focused review, emphasizing the Marsh, Parada, Yeung and Healey (2001) study based in the large, nationally representative National Education Longitudinal Study (NELS) 88 U.S. database that included the eighth, tenth and twelfth grades. Using this literature review, we demonstrate the complex relations between self-concept, other personality characteristics, being a bully, and being a victim of bullying. Based on our previous research, we developed new, psychometrically stronger measures of bullying and victimization and revealed new attitudes toward these behaviours. In a large-scale, longitudinal study we relate our new measures of bullying and victimization, as well as new related attitudes to multiple dimensions of self-concept and to measure of depression, locus of control, and coping styles. We then evaluate how the pattern of relations varies with gender and age (12 to 18 years of age).