Causes of Adult Bullying
Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior characterized by intentional and repeated actions aimed at causing harm or discomfort to another individual. This harmful behavior can manifest in various ways, including physical and verbal abuse. In adult settings, the bully may be a partner, a supervisor, or a member of an individual’s social circle. Several factors contribute to adult bullying, including the following:
Upbringing in a Bullying Environment
The social upbringing in childhood significantly shapes an individual’s personality. If a child’s parents exhibit bullying behaviors, the child may come to perceive such conduct as normal. Parents serve as role models during childhood, and children often mimic their actions. As these children grow into adulthood, the bullying behavior may persist, often without conscious awareness of its inappropriateness.
Stereotyping and Prejudice
Adults may target others for bullying based on biases related to gender, age, race, or religion. Additionally, individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses may also face bullying. Bullies often choose to victimize those who are perceived as different.
Need for Control
One of the primary motivations behind bullying behavior is the individual’s need for control and a sense of power. For instance, a corporate manager who feels a lack of control at home may resort to bullying employees as a way to compensate for this feeling in the workplace.
Feelings of Loneliness
Loneliness is a common experience among adults. A bully may be someone who lacks genuine friendships or is unhappy in their marriage, seeking to project their feelings of isolation onto others by harassing them. This underscores the importance of teaching individuals from a young age the value of social connections and building friendships.
Jealousy
Jealousy and envy are prevalent emotions among adults. Bullies may view their victims with resentment, harboring feelings of bitterness towards someone who possesses something they desire. This form of bullying can occur in professional settings, especially when one individual receives a promotion or a reward that another covets.
Social Climbing
Some bullies may worry about their position on the social ladder and engage in bullying behaviors to ensure that someone else occupies the lowest tier. They strive for visibility and social presence while attempting to undermine others.
Mental Health Issues
Many bullies struggle with emotional and psychological problems, which may or may not be diagnosed. Issues such as anxiety, stress, and a lack of empathy often characterize their behavior. Furthermore, some bullies exhibit narcissistic traits, which hinder their ability to empathize with the suffering of others. This limited understanding of empathy and the consequences of their actions can lead to persistent bullying behavior.
Laziness
In some cases, individuals may use laziness as an excuse to engage in bullying, particularly in workplace environments. Here, a bully may target a weaker colleague, unfairly offloading their own responsibilities onto them.