The ABCs of Bullying
Addressing, Blocking, and Curbing School Aggression

Module 3: Factors Contributing to Bullying and Violence - Page 4 of 17

Individual Factors

Individual factors affecting bullying and aggression include:

A child's personality and interpersonal behaviors often play a role in determining the likelihood that he or she will become a bully or a bullying victim. Examples of personality traits include shyness, outgoingness, contentedness, irritability, patience, resourcefulness, and determination.

Children who are more impulsive and active, with dominant personalities, may be more inclined to bully.ref Children who are anxious, insecure, cautious, socially isolated, or who lack social skills may be more inclined to be victims.ref

A child's temperament, or the way he or she interacts with others, can be affected by his or her physical characteristics, such as height or weight, attractiveness, health problems, or the presence of a physical, emotional, or other kind of disability. Individual risk factors may include HIV, fetal alcohol syndrome, or retardation.ref Although the presence of any one of these risk factors does not mean a child will be overly aggressive or become a victim, each plays a role in how the child interacts with those around him or her.

Many children and youth who behave violently may have a long history of emotional and behavioral problems. Although it is important to avoid stereotyping or labeling of individuals with certain personality traits, it is nonetheless worth noting that experts have identified certain behavioral patterns that may be warning signs.

<< Previous Page Next Page >>