Psychology of a Bully

   Bullying is a serious issue that is faced by many people. It can cause lifelong psychological effects that may require therapy in order to overcome. Bullying is a distinctive pattern of deliberately harming and humiliating others. It is important to know that bullies are made, not born, and it happens at an early age. 
   There are different types of bullying: physical (physical violence), verbal (name calling, teasing), intimidation (making victim to do something) and cyber bullying (internet). Bullying occurs at work, at home, on the internet but most likely at schools. 
   Bullies come from all walks of life. They are often people who believes that bullying can give them repect and power, surround them with friends. Also a person can become a bully because of problems in family or sometimes the only explanation is that a bully is a mean and cruel person who feels satisfaction by hurting others.
   It is interesting that psychologists used to believe that bullies have low self-esteem and hurt others to feel better about themselves. But new research shows that bullies have excellent self-esteem, they usually have a sense of entitlement over other and lack of compassion.
   Talking about victims, anyone can become the target of a bully, but often there are people who do not have many friends, in some ways are different (appearance or behavior), shy. Bullying can cause depression, panic attacks, physical ailments and even contemplation of suicide. It may sound strange but there are negative effects on the bullies too. Compelling research confirms that bullies are twice as likely as their peers to commit crimes and four times likely to be multiple offenders. Sometimes bullies can actually hate the way they behave but somehow fell justified in doing so because of the fact that they were bullied as well. This felling tends to override the feeling of empathy which makes psychological mess for the bully. If a bully is not stopped his behavior could affect his future life.
   Bullying does not have to be a reality that one must live with. It has to be revealed by telling someone who can help to change bully's behavior. Victims should understand that something wrong is not with them, that bullies have problems and it has to be dealt. It is very important to stand up for your self calmly and self-assured.
   To sum it up, I have to say that bullying is serious problem and it is very important to stop it. It may not be happening by you personally but it is everyone's responsibility to help to stop it.


References:
http://www.theravive.com/research/The_Psychology_Of_Bullying
http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/adult-bullies/
http://www.asirpsichologija.lt/index.php?id=410&category=12
http://www.bluedragontkd.net/stopbullying.htm