Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify and examine the factors that help develop the feelings of self-growth among the participants who were victims of bullying. The study was based on their past bullied experience. Accordingly, we conducted a semi-structured interview with a total of 17 male and female vocational school, junior college, and undergraduate students. This study suggested that the following factors help develop their feelings of self-growth: (1) an establishing school or family of interpersonal environment and facilitated self-disclosure, (2) presence of people who understood the psychological pain of being bullied and also the presence of trustworthy adults, (3) good relationships with family members and friends, (4) availability of social support, and (5) active countermeasures. With regard to the process of development, from being a victim of bullying to the development of the present feelings of self-growth, the results of this study indicated that self-disclosure, social support, existence of important third parties, giving positive significance to events, and positive thinking are the factors that play an important role for individuals to develop the feelings of self-growth.
