Authors
Sharyn Burns, Bruce Maycock, Donna Cross, Graham Brown
Publication date
2008/12
Journal
Qualitative health research
Volume
18
Issue
12
Pages
1704-1716
Publisher
Sage Publications
Description
Utilizing an interactionist perspective, two associated sensitizing constructs, and a combination of social psychological theory, this article reports on the influence of the peer group on individual perceptions, and its impact on initiation and persistence of bullying. The specific research question, “How does the need to conform with peers and the peer group influence the initiation and persistence of bullying others?” is investigated. Semistructured, one-on-one interviews with a purposive sample of 51 Grade 7 students (aged 12 years) were conducted during school time to investigate factors that influence students to bully others and what might help them to stop. Emerging from the theme of peer group was the need for belonging and group status, in particular social norms or the need to conform, which was influential when students described why they initiated and persisted with bullying others. The influence of labeling …
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Scholar articles
S Burns, B Maycock, D Cross, G Brown - Qualitative health research, 2008