Narcisme en Gevoel van Eigenwaarde als Voorspellers van Pestgedrag

Abstract

Bullying is a world-wide phenomenon, which has negative effects on both victim and perpetrator. Because of a lack of previous studies and contradicting results, the present study focused on the relation between narcissism, self-esteem and bullying. Previous studies have shown a positive association between narcissism and bullying, but results concerning the association between self-esteem and bullying were not consistent. The present study investigated whether narcissism and self-esteem were statistical predictors for bullying, using cross-sectional data, and whether gender moderated this relation. Based on previous research it was tentatively expected that narcissism is a positive predictor for bullying, but no direct relation between self-esteem and bullying exists. Furthermore, it was expected to find interaction-terms with gender. The participants (n = 1229; 49.4% girls), aged of 10 to 12, were pupils from 17 different schools in The Netherlands. The children filled out self-reports concerning narcissism and self-esteem. Bullying was measured through peer nominations. Results showed that narcissism indeed is a positive, but small predictor for bullying. However, self-esteem turned out to be a negative predictor for bullying, albeit small. The results were not moderated by gender, but boys showed significant higher scores on narcissism, self-esteem and bullying perpetration. However, the hypothesis concerning the interaction-terms could not be supported. Based on the results it may be useful to start programs helping children to cope with their narcissistic feelings and thoughts and enhancing their self-esteem. These strategies should decrease the risk to become a bully perpetrator.