Research Proposal

The Link Between Bullying and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

            There have been plenty of studies about the negative effects of bullying, but not enough consider the connection between bullying to developing post traumatic stress disorder.  Using previous research, observing bullying organizations, interviewing a staff member who deals with victims, and gathering information from both perpetrators and victims, I will show how bullying may or may not connect to PTSD in children.  In the event that my hypothesis is correct, specialists may dig deeper into this issue to help prevent this behavior from expanding to such trauma. 

Introduction

            Bullying is unwelcome, hostile behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance(What Is Bullying, 2017).  Those who bully use their power such as strength or popularity to control or harm others.  This behavior may happen more than once and both the bully and the victim may have serious lasting problems, which include depression, anxiety, loss of interest in activities, and decreased academic achievement(Effects of Bullying,2017).  In most cases, bullies have a trigger or a cause.  For some, it is one way to claim a sort of power in their lives by seeking out those who seem vulnerable and attacking some aspect of their personality that makes them stand out.  They may be jealous of their victim, seek attention, come from dysfunctional families, or simply lack empathy (Causes of Bullying 2013). 

            The victims of bullying are often the most spoken of and looked at, but the perpetrator is also a part of this equation.  Much research on the effects of bullying in children states that “kids who are bullied can experience negative physical, school, and mental health issues” (Effects of Bullying, 2017), but not enough of the perpetrators angle, exposing their reasoning, triggers and its long lasting effects in both the victim and the bully. 

            Studies show that kids who bully others are more likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adults, have criminal convictions and traffic citations as adults, and be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses, or children as adults.  (Effects of Bullying, 2017).  Also, “the experience of bullying in childhood can have profound effects on mental health in adulthood, particularly among youths involved in bullying as both a perpetuator and a victim”(Saint Louis, 2013).  It is clear that although it may not always be the case, it is possible that childhood bullying can see its way through individuals, where what could’ve been a small incident in their childhood may become traumatic in their adulthood leading to developing antisocial personality disorder(Long-term effects of bullying, 2015). 

            Observing whether or not the work is being done in bullying organizations, along with conducting an interview with a child psychiatrist, Byron Young, will help strengthen and lengthen the study of the way PTSD can possibly be a consequence of child bullying.

Background

Bullying in Children

            Children who experience bullying have a high likelihood to becoming emotionally withdrawn.  If a victim was already shy and self-contained, they may become even more shy and self-contained to the point where they have a hard time interacting with their peers.  “Regular exposure to hurt, humiliation, and social isolation may cause them to sink deeper into a world of their own.  This world is not a happy one, however: it is filled with anxiety, depression, sadness and loneliness. Children may have trouble sleeping or eating, and may become unable to enjoy activities they once did”(The Psychological Effects of Bullying on Kids & Teens, 2016).   

            As for the bully him/herself, they are just as at risk of short-term and long-term emotional problems as the children they victimize.  Firstly, the perpetrator may have trouble interacting and relating to their peers because they are violent, cruel and lack empathy.  Still,“it is unclear how much the behavior in which bullies engage contributes to their emotional problems, and how much of it is simply symptomatic of other troubles. However, bullies are at greater risk for alcohol and drug abuse as adolescents, as well as for engaging in sexual behavior at a young age. They often get into fights, vandalize and drop out of school”(The Psychological Effects of Bullying on Kids & Teens, 2016).

            In addition, there have been instances where children who are bullied are also bullies themselves.  They tend to display the behaviors of both a bully and a victim.  “The interesting, and very sad, part comes later, when they reach adulthood and experience long-lasting psychological effects that are more severe than that experienced by either bullies or victims alone”(The Psychological Effects of Bullying on Kids & Teens, 2016).

            Depression and anxiety are one of the most common lasting psychological impacts of bullying.  “Depression and anxiety tend to characterize their emotional outlook well beyond the bullying years, extending into their adult lives where they become chronic, sometimes lifelong, problems”(The Psychological Effects of Bullying on Kids & Teens, 2016). These issues make eating, sleeping, working, exercising and engaging in interesting hobbies more difficult. They also make it more difficult to make and keep relationships, whether with friends or romantic partners.  Similarly, difficulty in trusting others is another effect which may lead them to be loners in their adulthood.  “They make fewer positive choices and act less often in defense of their own happiness, owing mostly to the lack of perceived control instilled in them during their childhood bullying”(The Psychological Effects of Bullying on Kids & Teens, 2016).

            The perpetrator may have a psychological impact after bullying others.  For example, the bully may grow up to be an unhappy adult.  Because of their quick tempers and violent actions, it is more difficult to keep a job since having a violent outbreak is inappropriate in the workplace.  Also, just like the victim, in the long-term, it becomes difficult for them to retain friendships and maintain romantic or even family relationships.  Therefore, “it is indisputable that bullies are at greater risk for antisocial personality disorder”(The Psychological Effects of Bullying on Kids & Teens, 2016).

PTSD in Children

            Post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) “is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault”(What Is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?, 2017). 

            Children can develop PTSD if they experienced an event such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, violent crimes, floods, school shootings, car crashes, fires and more that could have caused them or someone else to be badly hurt.  “Child protection services in the U.S. get around three million reports each year. This involves 5.5 million children. Of the reported cases, there is proof of abuse in about 30%. From these cases, we have an idea how often different types of abuse occur:65% neglect, 18% physical abuse, 10% sexual abuse, and 7% psychological (mental) abuse”(PTSD in Children and Teens, 2007). 

            Three factors that raise chances of children developing PTSD are how severe the trauma is, how the parents react to the trauma and how close or far away the child is from the trauma.  PTSD in children may not occur the same way as adults.  For instance, children may not have flashbacks of the trauma like adults do.  “Children, though, might put the events of the trauma in the wrong order. They might also think there were signs that the trauma was going to happen. As a result, they think that they will see these signs again before another trauma happens. They think that if they pay attention, they can avoid future traumas”(PTSD in Children and Teens, 2007).  Also, children may show signs of PTSD in the way they play.  For example, if they witnessed a shooting, they may want to keep playing shooting games. 

Possible Link Between Children Who Have Been Bullied and PTSD

            Although this connection of bullying and PTSD has never or rarely been investigated in national samples, research is beginning to demonstrate that exposure to bullying is a potential risk factor for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.  Given research findings, counselors working with children are finding themselves, more so than in the past, treating targets of bullying, many of whom are experiencing PTSD symptoms.  (Sosin 2).  A few studies have investigated the occurrence of PTSD symptoms as a result from school bullying (Nader and Koch 2006). “In a study examining relations between bullying and PTSD in high school students, Mynard et al. (2000) found that 37% of the victims reported PTSD symptoms.  Furthermore, Rivers (2004) reported symptoms of PTSD related to bullying in school, and approximately 25% of these participants reported being troubled by memories of bullying well after leaving school”(Idsoe 903). 

            Using a nationally representative sample of children in grades 8 and 9, there was an investigation conducted to see if there was a connection between bullying and PTSD.  The level of PTSD symptoms among the bullied children was quite high. Slightly more than one third of the students who reported being bullied had scores within the clinical range for PTSD symptoms (Isdoe 907).

            As a result, with the help of my chosen organization and previous research, I will continue to conduct more investigations to prove whether children can develop PTSD itself and not just PTSD symptoms from bullying.

Code of ethics

  1. Describing the procedure and motives of this research to those apart of this pool is essential.  This is to be done in a matter where staff members can ask questions as well. 
  2. I will avoid using practical language so that everyone can understand, and I will listen out to any comment or questions said or asked. 
  3. I will inform the organization that the motive of this fieldwork is to educate.  It is important to place my focus on displaying correct images of the interviwees and the site being observed.
  4. The interviewee will be offered the chance to read the final work/essay.
  5. I will keep the identities of those who do not want to be mentioned anonymous.
  6. When applicable, I will offer my services, such as community service or volunteer work as a way to pay back for the interviwees help and time, which they provided me with.
  7. Prior to observation and interview days, I will ask for permission to record the staff and anyone included in my research.  If it is rejected, I will simply take notes.
  8. I will take note on the fact that fieldwork is not necessarily trying to uncover a specific truth, but rather learning how the members and informants view their specific subculture. 
  9. I will use proper and sensitive language when interviewing participants
  10. I will follow the organization’s code of ethics

Interview Questions

  • Why is this organization and being a part of it important to you?
  • Has there been any personal ties that led you here, to this position?
  • Do you consider this organization or yourself specifically a place where children can come seek help comfortably? Why or why not?  Give an example of an encounter if possible.
  • Do you work hand in hand with another organization when certain aspects are out of reach for you?  How do you take care of situations like these? What other organizations do you pair with and how can they help?
  • Are victims of bullying reluctant to fight back? Where can they go for help?
  • What are the general long term effects of bullying that you have seen develop over the years?
  • What inspires you about this work? Ex: is it the children, the cause itself or a personal experience etc.
  • What does a successful day in this position look like to you?
  • How can getting bullied lead to some sort of phobia that may impede children from living normal lives?
  • Do you believe that post traumatic stress disorder is an effect of bullying?Why or why not?
  • What are some ways to detect that bullying has been affecting a child?  What should be looked out for to make sure it is not having negative effects?
  • How can we distinguish between “trauma” and “PTSD”?
  • What are the main reasons you believe PTSD is an effect of bullying?  What situations have been brought to your attention that made this belief concrete for you?
  • In what ways can you help children who are victims of bullying stay mentally healthy, where the incident of bullying doesn’t become traumatic for them?
  • How may the perpetrator in the bullying situation have the same traumatic event as the victim, although they were the cause of it all?
  • Have you conducted any research to help prove that bullying is a real issue that can be long lasting, especially for younger children who are very naive?  What have you found and how has it helped you with your clients?
  • What is a common trait/effect that you have noticed in children who have been bullied?  Why do you think they develop this trait?
  • What is a common reason you receive of the reason the perpetrator does what he does?
  • If any disorder can develop from bullying, which one would it be?  Which is most closely met with children you have dealt with?  Explain your reasoning for choosing that specific disorder.
  • Is bullying more likely to just be forgotten and not develop in a large manner such as PTSD in children than adults?Why?
  • What have been positive outcomes of bullying that you have seen in both the victim and the perpetrator?
  • Is it more likely that the victim or perpetrator to develop a disorder after a bullying event?Why? Or maybe none at? Explain.
  • What are some unpopular opinions you have towards the topic of bullying?  Why do you believe those opinions are so?

Works Cited

“Bullying in School The Traumatic Effects of Bullying on Children.” Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), www.crisisprevention.com/Blog/April-2012/Bullying-in-School-The-Traumatic-Effects-of-Bullyi.

“Bullying Statistics.” Bullying Statistics – National Bullying Prevention Center, www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/stats.asp.

Center for Disease Control, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2015). Understanding bullying. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/bullying_factsheet.pdf

“Child Bullying’s Consequence: Adult PTSD.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/somatic-psychology/201103/child-bullyings-consequence-adult-ptsd.

Copeland, William E. “Adult Psychiatric Outcomes of Bullying and Being Bullied by Peers in Childhood and Adolescence.” JAMA Psychiatry, American Medical Association, 1 Apr. 2013, jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/1654916.

Dyregrov, Atle, et al. “Bullying and PTSD Symptoms.” June 2012.

“Effects of Bullying.” StopBullying.gov, www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/effects/index.html.

Louis, Catherine Saint. “Effects of Bullying Last Into Adulthood, Study Finds.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 20 Feb. 2013, well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/effects-of-bullying-last-into-adulthood-study-finds/.

Mundbjerg Eriksen, Tine Louisw, et al. “The Effects of Bullying in Elementary School.” July 2012.

Nader, R., & Koch, W. J. (2006). Does bullying result in post traumatic stress disorder?, from http://www.drwilliamkoch.com/articles/Bullying%20and%20PTSD%20Review.doc.

National Center for Education Statistics. (2016). Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2015. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=719

National Center for Education Statistics. (2016). Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2016. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2017/2017064.pdf

No Bullying Organization. “Causes of Bullying.”2013, https://americanspcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Bullying-Causes-of-Courtesy-of-nobullying.pdf

Organization. “First Study To Establish Long-Term Effects Of Bullying.” The Huffington Post, TheHuffingtonPost.com, 20 Feb. 2013, www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/20/long-term-effects-of-bullying_n_2728190.html.

Ouellet-Morin I., C. L. Odgers, A. Danese, L. Bowes, S. Shakoor, A. S. Papadopoulos, A. Caspi, T. E. Moffitt and L. Arseneault (2011), Blunted cortisol responses to stress signal social and behavioral problems among maltreated/bullied 12-year-old children. Biological Psychiatry 70, 1016-1023.

Patterson, G., J. Reid and T. Dishion (1992), Antisocial Boys. Eugene, OR: Castalia.

“PTSD: National Center for PTSD.” PTSD in Children and Teens – PTSD: National Center for PTSD, 1 Jan. 2007, www.ptsd.va.gov/public/family/ptsd-children-adolescents.asp.

Sosin, Lisa S, and Amanda J Rockinson-Szapkiw. “Creative Exposure Intervention as Part of Clinical Treatment for Adolescents Exposed to Bullying and Experiencing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms.” 2016.

Steele, Ann. “The Psychological Effects of Bullying on Kids & Teens.” The Psychological Effects of Bullying on Kids & Teens | MastersinPsychologyGuide.com, mastersinpsychologyguide.com/articles/psychological-effects-bullying-kids-teens.

“What Is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?” What Is PTSD?, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd.

Wolke, Dieter, and Suzet Tanya Lereya. Archives of Disease in Childhood, BMJ Publishing Group, Sept. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4552909/.