Exploring the Mechanisms of Bullying Perpetration: An Integrated Test of General Strain and Social Bond Theories

• Published in: Journal of child and family studies Vol. 30; no. 3; pp. 620 - 632
• Main Authors: Choi, Jaeyong, Dulisse, Brandon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.03.2021; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adolescents; Analysis; Attachment; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Bonds; Bullying; Child and School Psychology; Original Paper; Panel data; Parenting; Parents & parenting; Psychology; Social Sciences; Sociology; Strain theory; Teachers; Teenagers; Victimization; Youth; General strain theory; Social bonds; Juveniles; Bullying perpetration
• ISSN: 1062-1024; 1573-2843
• DOI: 10.1007/s10826-020-01883-2

Although general strain theory has enjoyed an increase in empirical testing over the last 30 years, only a limited number of studies have examined the mediating role of social bonds within the relationship of strain and bullying perpetration. Drawing on panel data from a sample of 2920 Korean adolescents, we examine a broad range of social bonds as mediators and test these interrelationships with three types of strains (i.e., parental abuse, study strain, and bullying victimization) in causing bullying perpetration. Findings from our analysis reveal that all strains and some social bond variables significantly predict bullying perpetration. Results from the KHB method further suggest that parental abuse and study strain indirectly influence bullying perpetration through commitment to school. Highlights Parental abuse, study strain, and bullying victimization was shown to increase risk of bullying perpetration. Attachment to teacher and commitment to school reduced risk of bullying perpetration. Social bonds can mediate the strain-bullying perpetration relationship.