Citation

Obermann ML. J. School Violence 2011; 10(3): 239-257.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15388220.2011.578276

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examined the use of moral disengagement among children indirectly involved in bullying (bystanders). A sample of Danish adolescents (N = 660, M age 12.6 years) were divided into four groups depending on their bystander status: (a) outsiders, who did not experience bullying among their peers; (b) defenders, who were likely to help the victims in bullying episodes; (c) guilty bystanders, who did nothing to help bullied peers but felt guilty about it; and (d) unconcerned bystanders, who witnessed peers being bullied, without feeling responsible.

RESULTS indicated that, besides from active personal involvement in bullying others, being an unconcerned bystander to bullying also associates with moral disengagement. Unconcerned bystanders had significantly higher moral disengagement than guilty bystanders and defenders. Outsiders also showed significant higher disengagement than defenders. Implications are discussed, highlighting the importance of further research and theory development.

Language: en

Keywords

bullying; adolescence; guilty bystanders; moral disengagement; peer nominations; self-reports; unconcerned bystanders