Article
A Case Study on Female Undergraduate Students Victimized by Bullying during Adolescence
| e-ISSN | 2982-6845 |
| p-ISSN | 1226-4474 |
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to delve into the impact of being victimized by bullying during college yearsand the common changes found, if any, in the characteristics of the victims. For this research, 10 femaleundergraduate students were selected as research participants and in-depth interviews were conducted. The resultsof the interviews were analyzed by constant comparison method; 32 concepts, 15 subcategories, and 5 categorieswere derived. The five categories were the following: ‘factors that triggered the bullying’, ‘type of bullying’,‘psychological pain caused by victimization’, ‘overcoming the pain through strength and support’, ‘the impact ofvictimization on college adjustment’. Looking at the contents by category, first, bullying was often triggered bythe passive or exclusive character of the victim, or in the midst of a difficult transition to a new school or asthe result of a change in the family environment. Second, types of bullying acts included physical, verbal, andrelational bullying. Third, while being victimized, the undergraduates reported low self-esteem and uncomfortablefeelings. At the same time, they also showed passive and negative coping behaviors. Fourth, throughout theexperience of victimization, they reported finding strength in dreaming about a better future and buildingself-esteem through various means. They were able to endure this difficult time through exercise, reading, writingand use of their imagination. A solid support base of family, friends and teachers was also a source of strengthfor many of them. Fifth, their experience with victimization had both positive and negative impacts on campuslife. In other words, while they still experience the difficulty with interpersonal relationship, at the same timethey can ask for help from others when it is needed and more positive self assertion is possible. Based on theresults of the study, counseling and educational resources for preventing adolescent bullying are suggested.