Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior that involves intentional harm, repetition, and an imbalance of power. While aggression is a core component, several additional criteria must be met for behavior to be classified as bullying:
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Intentionality: Bullying is deliberate. The person engaging in bullying behavior intends to harm or intimidate the target, rather than it being an accidental or unintentional act.
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Repetition: Bullying is not a one-time incident; it involves repeated acts of aggression over time. The repeated nature of the behavior contributes to a pattern of victimization, making it more damaging to the victim.
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Imbalance of Power: There is often an inherent power imbalance between the bully and the victim. This can manifest in physical strength, social status, access to embarrassing information, or the ability to manipulate social dynamics. The imbalance is what makes the victim feel threatened or powerless.
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Psychological Impact: Bullying has lasting psychological effects on the victim. This includes emotional distress, anxiety, depression, decreased self-esteem, and other mental health challenges. The harm caused is significant and can affect the victim's overall well-being.
Overall, for behavior to be categorized as bullying, it needs to be intentional, repetitive, exhibit a power imbalance, and have a negative psychological impact on the victim. Recognizing these criteria helps differentiate bullying from other forms of conflict or aggressive behavior.
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