Interpersonal Communication- A Mindful Approach to Relationships, 2020a

speculate that cyberbullying is worse than traditional bullying, but research shows mixed results on this
assertion.
Research Spotlight
In 2013, Anke Görzig and Kjartan Ólafsson set out to determine what makes a bully
a cyberbully. They recruited 1,000 Internet-using children aged 9–16 in 25 European
countries. The researchers also interviewed at least one of the children’s parents for
the study. The total sample size was 25,142.
The questionnaire the researchers used was translated into 25 different languages.
The interviews took place in the children’s home. Any sensitive questions were asked
on a private questionnaire. As you can see, this project was a massive undertaking.
Of the 25,142 participants, 2,821 admitted to engaging in behaviors either online or FtF that could be labeled
as bullying.
The researchers found that “cyberbullies (all else being equal) were at least four times as likely to engage in
risky online activities and twice as likely to spend more time online as well as finding it easier to be themselves
online.” 56 Furthermore, the researchers found that girls were more likely to engage in cyberbullying than FtF
bullying when compared to their male counterparts.
Görzig, A., & Ólafsson, K. (2013). What makes a bully a cyberbully? Unravelling the characteristics of
cyberbullies across 25 European countries. Journal of Children & Media, 7(1), 9-27. https://doi.org/10.1080/174
82798.2012.739756
Research
Though it is hard to imagine among adults, bullying continues in the work environment. Bully can lead
to loss of employment, poor attendance and depression. There are several typologies of bullying. In
research conducted with nurses, a typology of bullying was created that is particularly comprehensive. 57
The typology of these researchers includes the bullying behavior and related tactics.
involve those seen in Table 14.2. As you can see, workplace bullying behaviors
involve a wide range of tactics.
Behaviors
Isolation and exclusion
Intimidation and Threats
Verbal threats
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Tactics
Being ignored
Being excluded from conversation
Being isolated from supportive peers
Being excluded from activities
Raised voices or raised hands
Being stared at, watched and followed
Tampering with or destroying personal belongings
Compromising or obstructing patient care
Interpersonal Communication