The Influence Of Childhood Trauma And Aggressive Behaviors On Mental Health Of Bullies

Abstract

The objective of the current study was to investigate the impact of childhood trauma and bullying on mental health among bully perpetrators and role of relational aggression as a mediator. A sample of 220 educated adolescents was taken including males (n = 125) and females (n = 95). Purpose of the study was briefed to participants. The scales used for the study were, childhood trauma questionnaire, Illinois bullying scale, strength and difficulty questionnaire and diverse adolescent relational aggression scale. A significant negative correlation was found between childhood trauma and mental health as well as bullying and mental health among bully perpetrators. Meanwhile, the mental health of bully perpetrator and fighting perpetrator is predicted negatively i.e., -.30* & -.51*, respectively. Relational aggression partially mediated the impact of childhood trauma along with bullying on mental health. Additionally, childhood trauma and bullying directly describe the variation in mental health and indirectly through relational aggression. The study holds practical implications for adolescents to improve their mental health. Counselors and educational psychologists should be hired in all educational institutes to facilitate young people in an effort to help them with self-awareness, emotional regulation and behavioral management.