Citation

Lomas J, Stough C, Hansen K, Downey LA. J. Adolesc. 2012; 35(1): 207-211.

Affiliation

Brain Sciences Institute, Swinburne University, PO Box 218 Hawthorn, Melbourne, Victoria 3122, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.adolescence.2011.03.002

PMID

21470670

Abstract

In order to better understand bullying behaviors we examined for the first time the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) of adolescents, bullying behaviors and peer victimization. The sample consisted of 68 adolescents from a secondary college. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire which assessed their EI, how frequently they engaged in bullying behaviors and how often they were the target of peer victimization. Results of the study indicated that the EI dimensions of Emotions Direct Cognition and Emotional Management and Control, significantly predicted the propensity of adolescents to be subjected to peer victimization. The EI dimension of Understanding the Emotions of Others was found to be negatively related with bullying behaviors. It was concluded that anti-bullying programs in schools could be improved by addressing deficits in EI in adolescents who bully others as well as those who are at a greater risk of being subjected to peer victimization.

Language: en