Bullying and Victimization in Early Adolescence: Associations With Attachment Style and Perceived Parenting

Abstract

The current study examined the relationship between self-reported bullying, victimization, attachment styles and parenting in a nonclinical sample of 601 Greek preadolescents. Results showed that both bullying and victimization were related to perceived parenting (positively with rejection and negatively with emotional warmth). Insecurely attached children reported more involvement in bullying and victimization, lower levels of emotional warmth, and higher levels of rejection. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that both bullying and victimization were predicted by perceived parenting, whereas only victimization was predicted by insecure attachment style over and above student characteristics and parenting. The findings confirm previous research findings, and are discussed in terms of their practical implications for parents and teachers.