Post-Traumatic Growth As A Consequence Of Bullying And Cyberbullying Victimization

• In Event: Long Term Consequences of Victimization

Abstract

Bullying is among the most common traumas that youth experience and its negative consequences are well documented, with prospective and longitudinal studies demonstrating that these adverse outcomes can persist well into adulthood. However, like other forms of trauma, not all youth who are bullied or cyberbullied experience negative outcomes across the life course, yet little is known about those who are able to move on from, or even grow as a result of, these traumatic experiences. Drawing from a larger retrospective study, this paper explores experiences of post-traumatic growth among a qualitative sample of 129 young adults who were bullied or cyberbullied in elementary, middle, or high school. Focusing on youths’ narratives of post-traumatic growth, or the lack thereof, the results demonstrate individual, social, and community resources that promote well-being after trauma exposure. These findings have implications for improving outcomes among youth who are victims of bullying or cyberbullying.

Authors

• Ryan Broll, University of Guelph

• Vanessa N. Rhodes, University of Guelph

• Olivia Peters, University of Guelph