Long Term Consequences Of Bullying

Bullying is an issue that has major impact on the emotional wellbeing of the individual who is on the receiving end. It is recognised globally as a complex and serious problem (). Bullying can come in many different forms, it can be verbal, physical, social or psychological aggressive behaviour by an individual or group of people directed towards a less powerful person or group that is intended to cause distress, fear or even harm (). There are many consequences from experiencing bulling, such as anxiety, suicide/ self-harm or depression, that can impact the day to day lives of individuals. Many different behaviours can be seen as bullying behaviour. Covert bullying is a form of bullying that is not always obvious. It is seen as “hidden bullying”

One particular consequence is depression. Depression is one of the most common mental health problems that people can suffer, it does not affect anyone in particular and can affect people in all stages of life. The risk of depression can be especially high among adolescents who are victimized by bullying (Roy, 2015). several different studies have been done to look at the effects different forms of bullying, such as physical, cyber or emotional bullying can have on the individuals. The negative outcomes that occur as a result of victimization from bullying. Being bullied teaches you that you are undesirable, that you are powerless to defend yourself and you are not safe in this world (). This is can then force you to becomes more susceptible to depression and anxiety. At the same time the individual may be learning that they are hopeless and can’t be helped. The bullying is also forcing you to think of yourself as they perceive you, that you are weak, a loser and pathetic. As a result of this they start to believe that this who they are and the thing the bully is saying is true (). By being forced to contemplate their lack of control again and again over the time that they are being bullied the individual becomes susceptible to learned helplessness which has a big impact on the development of depression (Bowes, Joinson, Wolke, & Lewis,

Research conducted in the area of bullying has indicated that the victims of bullying may display unique behaviour characteristics (Swearer, Song, Cary, Eagle, & Mickelson, 2001). Victims of bullying often experiences more feeling of loneliness and Isolation, low self-esteem and depression. These findings are not surprising as the effects of bullying are meant to cause the victim harm and make them believe in their low self-worth. It can often lead to the victim blaming themselves for being a target of bullying (Swearer et al., 2001). The impact of being a bystander and a witness may also be classed as a form of bullying, even though it is not directly pointed at them it can result in strong emotions of anxiety and distress in the bystander and later guilt for not being able to do anything about what they have witnessed (Emdad, Alipour, Hagberg, & Jensen, 2013). Though the effects of bullying can be major not all who experience bullying will experience or suffer long term effects (Iyer, Dougall, & Jensen-Campbell, 2013). In a study conducted on adolescent’s different susceptibility to the influence of bullying found, that adolescents who were already highly susceptible to experiencing anxiety and depression were more likely to be targets of bullying (Iyer, Dougall, &