A Clinical Psychological Study on the Long-term Effects of Bullying

: Focusing on Friendships from the Past to the Present

Abstract

　　Bullying has a long-term negative impact on the victim, even after the bullying has ended. Previous studies have reported the negative effects of bullying on victims, such as passivity in interpersonal relationships, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. That said, there are cases where having been a victim of bullying can be viewed positively, encouraging a sense of self-growth, an attitude of respect for others, and instilling mental fortitude. In addition, this positive reframing relates to one’s relationship to others, such as self-disclosure of and seeking advice regarding one’s victimization, supportive behavior by others, and intervention in bullying. There-fore, this study examined the sort of friendships a bullying victim can build from when bullying ends until the present in order to reframe victimization in a positive light. Results indicated that recovery from bullying is effective not only when one is being bullied but also in relationships with friends once bullying ends until the present. Moreover, results indicated a process whereby bullying victims build trusting relationships with their friends through self-disclosure, such as sharing about their experience being bullied in the past. Victims can perceive their experience of being bullied positively by viewing their friends with a positive attitude as role models.