Traditional and Nontraditional Bullying Among Youth: A Test of General Strain Theory

TLDR

Bullying at school is a common problem for youth, school officials, and parents, with serious consequences documented, and the recent emergence of cyberbullying—harassment via email, chat rooms, social networking sites, and text messaging—has become even more problematic. The study investigates the causes of both traditional and cyberbullying using Agnew’s general strain theory. It applies Agnew’s general strain theory to analyze factors that lead to adolescent aggression in both forms. Results show that experiencing strain increases the likelihood of participating in both traditional and cyberbullying, and the study discusses implications and future research directions.

Abstract

Bullying at school is a common problem facing youth, school officials, and parents. A significant body of research has detailed the serious consequences associated with bullying victimization. Recently, however, a new permutation has arisen and arguably become even more problematic. Cyberbullying, as it has been termed, occurs when youth use technology as an instrument to harass their peers—via email, in chat rooms, on social networking Web sites, and with text messaging through their computer or cell phone. The current study seeks to shed light on the potential causes of both variants of adolescent aggression by employing the arguments of Agnew’s (1992) general strain theory as a guiding framework. Results suggest that those who experience strain are more likely to participate in both traditional and nontraditional forms of bullying. Implications of these findings and suggestions for further research in this growing area of study are also discussed.