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Why do young adolescents bully? Experience in Malaysian schools
Wan Salwina Wan Ismail1, Nik Ruzyanei Nik Jaafar, Hatta Sidi
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Comprehensive Psychiatry
|June 15, 2013
Summary
Male gender and certain Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms are linked to bullying in Malaysian adolescents. Internalizing behaviors like withdrawal and somatic complaints appear protective against bullying. Understanding these factors aids intervention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychology
- Public Health
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Bullying among young adolescents is a significant concern in Malaysia.
- Identifying sociodemographic and psychological factors is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine sociodemographic and psychological factors associated with bullying behavior among 12-year-old adolescents in Malaysia.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 410 twelve-year-old adolescents from seven randomly sampled schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Data collected on sociodemographic features, bullying behavior, ADHD symptoms, and internalizing/externalizing behaviors from adolescents, parents, and teachers.
Main Results:
- Male gender was a significant sociodemographic factor associated with bullying.
- Hyperactive and inattentive ADHD symptoms were risk factors for bullying, while combined symptoms showed a protective effect.
- Internalizing behaviors, specifically withdrawn behavior and somatic complaints, were found to be protective against bullying.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the importance of considering gender and ADHD symptom profiles in understanding bullying behavior.
- Recognizing culturally specific factors is essential for developing targeted and effective school bullying interventions in Malaysia.
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