Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults
Published on: October 19, 2014
Emotional violence by teachers toward students: the adultcentric bias hypothesis
1Nova School of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, New University of Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal.
Abstract:
Emotional violence (EV) from teachers toward students is a serious and underexplored issue in school settings. This study aims to review current research on EV, explore the concepts of Bleak Pedagogy (BP) and Adultcentrism as conceptual frameworks, and explain the underlying causes of emotionally violent behaviors. Given the global prevalence of EV, we infer that it may be influenced by embedded structural biases in adult-child relationships, rather than from individual traits. Furthermore, it is proposed that these systemic biases and attitudes may act as key predictors of EV from teachers toward children. Finally, empirical investigations into teachers' pragmatic and paradigmatic beliefs in relation to students' self-reports of victimization are suggested to test this hypothesis. Further implications of this perspective and directions for future research are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Bullying
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Fundamental Attribution Error
Motivational Bias
Stereotype Threat and Self-fulfilling Prophecies
Milgram's Obedience to Authority
