Higher Education Students’ Bullying Victimization Experiences
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.5309Keywords:
Higher education, Bullying, Victimization, Students, Narrative researchAbstract
Bullying is a destructive social phenomenon that, contrary to common perception, is not only a problem in childhood and adolescence but affects all age groups and communities. This study concentrates on the experience of being a victim of bullying during higher education studies, aiming to describe the victimization process from start to finish. The research question is: How is the phenomenon of bullying of higher education students described by victims? To answer this question, the study analyzes the bullying experiences of 19 participants using a narrative approach. Two datasets were gathered, using an anonymous online questionnaire and interviews. The findings illustrate the multiformity of victims’ perceptions and the complexity of the phenomenon. They show that although every experience is unique, they share common factors, especially at the beginning and end of the bullying process; that instead of sticking to official bullying definitions, it is imperative to prioritize the perception of the victim, and that it is important to recognize the multilateral loneliness of victims. Furthermore, the study reflects on possible solutions drawing on the findings and previous research.
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