Bully/victim problems and their association with psychological constructs in 8-to 12-year-old Greek school children

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to replicate some of the already existing findings regarding the assessment of bully/victim problems in a sample of Greek primary school pupils using the Bullying Behaviour Scale and the Peer Victimisation Scale [Austin S, Joseph S (1996): British Journal of Educational Psychology 66: 447-456] and to extend the investigation of the association between bully/victim problems and personality by examining the self-esteem, Machiavellianism, and locus of control of children who are classified as bullies, victims, or both bullies and,victims. Associations with the Self-Perception Profile for Children [Harter S (1985): University of Denver] were also examined for the same purpose. The results suggest that what sets bully/victims apart from bullies or victims is their low social acceptance and their high level of Machiavellianism and negative self-esteem, Implications for interventions against bullying are briefly discussed. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.