Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print New research dispels popular myth that a bully's words will never hurt you

New research dispels popular myth that a bully's words will never hurt you

April 15, 2003

Research by Dr Stephen Joseph a psychologist at the University of Warwick into bullying at Secondary Schools dispels the well-known saying "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me".

Contrary to popular belief the study reveals that verbal-victimisation has a particular impact on the victim's feeling of self-worth, and that name-calling can significantly reduce self-esteem. In fact, verbal abuse can have more impact upon victims' self-worth than physical attacks, such as punching, or attacks on property, such as stealing or the destruction of belongings.




The study into bullying and posttraumatic stress in adolescents assessed 331 school pupils in England and reveals that as many as 40% were bullied at some time during their schooling. It suggests that one third of bullied children may suffer from clinically significant levels of posttraumatic stress - so rather than helping to toughen up school pupils, bullying could seriously affect their mental health.

The research paper entitled "Peer- victimisation and posttraumatic stress in adolescents" examines the levels of posttraumatic stress experienced and the impact of bullying on the self-worth on victims. Bullying is stressful and can affect adolescents both emotionally and physically, and the results indicate that different forms of abuse have distinct effects on victims.

To analyse the effects of different types of aggression a "Victim Scale" was used to assess the experience of physical victimisation, verbal victimisation, social manipulation and attacks on property. All types of bullying result in lower self-esteem, but social manipulation, such as excluding the victim from taking part in games, is more likely to lead to posttraumatic stress, and verbal taunts typically lead to lower self-worth.

The study also suggests that verbal bullying or social manipulation can lead to victims feeling helpless and that they lack control over their own feelings and actions. Those who feel that power and control lie with the bully, rather than internally, are much more likely to suffer from posttraumatic stress or lower self-worth.

Dr Stephen Joseph, from the University of Warwick, said: "This study reveals that bullying and particularly name calling can be degrading for adolescents. Posttraumatic stress is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a frightening event or ordeal in which physical harm occurred or was threatened, and research clearly suggests that it can be caused by bullying. It is important that peer victimisation is taken seriously as symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety and depression are common amongst victims and have a negative impact on psychological health."

Warwick, University of



Related Stress Current Events and Stress News Articles Stress Current Events and Stress News RSS Stress Current Events and Stress News RSS
Time of day matters to thirsty trees, U of T researcher discovers
The time of day matters to forest trees dealing with drought, according to a new paper produced by a research team led by Professor Malcolm Campbell, University of Toronto Scarborough's vice-principal for research and colleagues in the department of cell and systems biology at the St. George campus.

Possible Link Studied Between Childhood Abuse and Early Cellular Aging
Children who suffer physical or emotional abuse may be faced with accelerated cellular aging as adults, according to new research from Butler Hospital and Brown University.

Scientists at UA, collaborating institutions decode maize genome
Scientists from the University of Arizona led by Arizona Genomics Institute director Rod A. Wing and from collaborating institutions have deciphered the complete genetic code of the maize plant for the first time.

Schizophrenia gene's role may be broader, more potent, than thought
UCSF scientists studying nerve cells in fruit flies have uncovered a new function for a gene whose human equivalent may play a critical role in schizophrenia.

Scientists find molecular trigger that helps prevent aging and disease
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine set out to address a question that has been challenging scientists for years: How do dietary restriction-and the reverse, overconsumption-produce protective effects against aging and disease?

UCR plant scientist's research spawns new discoveries showing how crops survive drought
Breakthrough research done earlier this year by a plant cell biologist at the University of California, Riverside has greatly accelerated scientists' knowledge on how plants and crops can survive difficult environmental conditions such as drought.

Full recovery now possible for an 'untreatable' mental illness
Patients coping with the chaos and misery of Borderline Personality Disorder now have reason for strong confidence in making major life changes through a new treatment, Schema Therapy.

Pivotal study for PSD502 -- the first potential treatment for premature ejaculation
At the annual meeting of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA), Inc. in San Diego, Sciele Pharma, Inc., a Shionogi Company and Plethora Solutions Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Plethora Solutions Holdings PLC ("Plethora" - AIM:PLE)., today presented data from its second positive pivotal study of PSD502 for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE).

Experts: Failure to focus on farming will undermine global climate agreement and increase hunger
Alarmed by a substantial oversight in the global climate talks leading up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen next month, more than 60 of the world's most prominent agricultural scientists and leaders underscored how the almost total absence of agriculture in the agreement could lead to widespread famine and food shortages in the years ahead.

Inhibition of GRK2 is protective against acute cardiac stress injuries
Inhibition of a protein known to contribute to heart failure also appears to be protective of the heart in more acute cardiac stress injury, namely ischemia reperfusion.
More Stress Current Events and Stress News Articles
The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook)

The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook)
by Martha Davis (Author), Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman (Author), Matthew McKay (Author), Patrick Fanning (Author)

The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook broke new ground when it was first published in 1980, detailing easy, step-by-step techniques for calming the body and mind in an increasingly overstimulated world. Now in its sixth edition, this workbook, highly regarded by therapists and their clients, remains the "go-to" source for stress reduction strategies that can be incorporated into even the busiest lives.

This new edition is updated with powerful relaxation techniques based on the latest research, and draws from a variety of proven treatment methods, including progressive relaxation, autogenics, self-hypnosis, visualization, and mindfulness and acceptance therapy.

In the first chapter, you'll explore your own stress triggers and symptoms, and learn how to create a...

emWave Personal Stress Reliever (Silver)

emWave Personal Stress Reliever (Silver)
by HeartMath

emWave® Personal Stress Reliever®

Relieve Stress

Stress Management for Dummies

Stress Management for Dummies
by Allen Elkin (Author)

Does the hectic pace of modern life put you in a bind? Are your ulcers having ulcers? It's time to give yourself a break. Stress Management For Dummies can help you discover how to lower your stress level immediately. Find out what causes the most stress for people and how to avoid some of the ramifications of not dealing with that stress, such as poor health, broken marriages, and premature death. None of those are much fun, but decreasing the stress in your life can improve your chances of living a longer, happier life.

Stress Management For Dummies helps you minimize stress and shows you methods for relaxing. Find out about using massage and breathing exercises to target your greatest areas of stress. After you relax you body, discover the joy of a relaxed mind. After finding...

10 Simple Solutions to Stress: How to Tame Tension And Start Enjoying Your Life

10 Simple Solutions to Stress: How to Tame Tension And Start Enjoying Your Life
by Claire Michaels Wheeler (Author)

It’s practically the watchword of modern American life. We all know we should learn to manage it. We know that it can shorten our lives, age us prematurely, make us fat. We know it can cause a host of physical and psychological problems, from heart disease to impotence—but we all seem to keep suffering from it. One more thing we all know is that, ultimately, we are responsible for reducing the stress we experience each day. This little book offers ten simple solutions any of us can use to make this important change once and for all.

Based on positive psychology, mind-body medicine, and cognitive behavioral therapy, the ten solutions in this book take stress management to an unprecedented level of effectiveness. These short assessments, lifestyle enhancement tips, and emergency...

TwinLab Stress B-Complex Caps with Vitamin C, Capsules, 250-Count Bottle

TwinLab Stress B-Complex Caps with Vitamin C, Capsules, 250-Count Bottle
by Twinlab

This dietary supplement contains high potency B-Complex vitamins. It is yeast-free and well tolerated by most highly allergic individuals. TwinLab Stress B-Complex Caps with Vitamin C are easier to swallow and assimilate. Contains no tablet binders, coatings or colorings. Free of the most common allergens such as soy, yeast, barley, wheat, lactose (milk sugar) and all milk, citrus, fish and egg products. No added flavorings, sugars, salt, artificial sweeteners, colorings, preservatives or salicylates. Packaged in a glass bottle for maximum stability, quality and freshness.

Stress Reduction for Busy People: Finding Peace in an Anxious World

Stress Reduction for Busy People: Finding Peace in an Anxious World
by Dawn Groves (Author)

Offering serious information with a light touch, author Dawn Groves shows that by starting with a few simple changes, anyone can find a few minutes each day to take care of their bodies with exercise, sleep, and good food; their souls with meditation and prayer; and their minds with pursuits that challenge and please. Techniques such as "reframing" and "facts not stories" will help readers understand how to use thoughts to reinterpret events and issues for healthier emotional responses. She demonstrates how a few choices can change old, bad habits into new, good ones and how parents can not only cope with children but also help them become part of the lower-stress solution. Sections include What to Do in a Crisis (move your body, narrow your field, and take action), Mindfulness Tools, and...

IsoFlex Stress Ball by Toysmith (Colors May Vary)

IsoFlex Stress Ball by Toysmith (Colors May Vary)
by Toysmith

The famous IsoFlex Stress Ball is here to take your stress away! The IsoFlex is double lined with natural latex for extra durability. Micro beads give this stress ball a unique soothing feel. This colorful version will brighten up your office and is a nice massage for your hands! Assorted colors.

Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome

Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome
by James L. Wilson (Author), Johnathan V. Wright (Foreword)

This is an incredibly informative and reader-friendly book about a common debilitating medical condition that goes largely undiagnosed and untreated. ADRENAL FATIGUE: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome is a very empowering work cram-packed with vital information about a condition that very likely affects millions of people.

StressEraser Portable Biofeedback Device

StressEraser Portable Biofeedback Device
by StressEraser

Portable biofeedback device for relaxation training, activates the body's natural relaxation response by synchronizing breathing with heart rate.

Stress Free for Good: 10 Scientifically Proven Life Skills for Health and Happiness

Stress Free for Good: 10 Scientifically Proven Life Skills for Health and Happiness
by Frederic Luskin (Author), Ken Pelletier (Author)

Ten Minutes to Learn One Minute to Practice Ten Seconds to Work

Imagine if you could . . . Radically reduce stress Increase your physical vitality Improve your quality of life

Now you can. We live in an age of stress. Each day at work and at home as we struggle to take care of the basics, constant stress significantly affects our ability to lead healthy and happy lives. We struggle with stomach pain, headaches, mood swings, fatigue, depression, high blood pressure, and even heart failure. Not only does stress damage our physical and emotional well-being, but our relationships and productivity suffer as well. What, if anything, can we do to stop this cycle?

There is a multitude of books, magazine features, TV programs, videotapes, meditation classes, and seminars, all...

© 2009 BrightSurf.com