The Enigma of Bullying and Unhealthy Atmosphere in Higher Education
Keywords:
Quality education, Health behavior, Socio-demographic influence, Direct and indirect bullying, Education on bullying.
Abstract
The motivation behind this paper is to give an outline of university bullying among pupils and indicate the soft targets
for the bully and the impact of unhealthy class environment on students’ education and behavior. This study employed an
explanatory and quantitative approach. Following a non-probability sampling technique, this research resorted to using
convenience sampling by disseminating a structured questionnaire among 200 students enrolled in public and private
universities in Karachi. The outcomes revealed that health behavior significantly influences the quality education of
students. While, direct or indirect bullying may not only affect the health but the quality education of students as well. In
addition, results showed that Education on bullying and socio demographic influence may increase the quality of
education but in our case, the relationship is not significant. The authors suggest that examining students’ experiences
and their practice, outcome of training programs with the help of a group of professors will assist in suggesting
procedures and tactics to promote the quality of education. This study conceives bullying at educational institutes as a
critical quality issue and paves the way for further developments intended to enhance university educational services’
effectiveness.
References
Ahmed, G. K., Metwaly, N. A., Elbeh, K., Galal, M. S., & Shaaban, I. (2022). Risk factors of school
bullying and its relationship with psychiatric comorbidities: a literature review. The Egyptian Journal of
Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery, 58(1), 1-11.
Bajaj, S. (2023). Bullying and Unhealthy Psychological Atmosphere in Higher Education and its Impact on
the quality of education. Tijer-International Research Journal, 10(3), 1-14.
Bauman, S., & Del Rio, A. (2006). Preservice teachers' responses to bullying scenarios:
Comparing physical, verbal, and relational bullying. Journal of Educational Psychology, 98(1), 219-231.
Block, N. (2014). The Impact of Bullying on Academic Success for Students With and Without
Exceptionalities. https://hdl.handle.net/1807/67006
Borgen, N. T., Kirkebøen, L. J., Ogden, T., Raaum, O., & Sørlie, M. A. (2020). Impacts of school‐wide
positive behaviour support: Results from National Longitudinal Register Data. International Journal of
Psychology, 55, 4-15
Bradshaw, C. P., Mitchell, M. M., & Leaf, P. J. (2010). Examining the Effects of Schoolwide
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports on Student Outcomes: Results From a Randomized Controlled
Effectiveness Trial in Elementary Schools. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 12(3), 133–148.
Bullying Statistics—National Bullying Prevention Center. (2021).
https://www.pacer.org/bullying/info/stats.asp
Cantone, E., Piras, A. P., Vellante, M., Preti, A., Daníelsdóttir, S., D’Aloja, E., & Bhugra, D. (2015).
Interventions on bullying and cyberbullying in schools: A systematic review. Clinical Practice and
Epidemiology in Mental Health: CP & EMH, 11(Suppl 1 M4), 58.
Chatters, S. J. (2012). Impact of bullying prevention training on the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of
pre-education majors (future trainers). University of South Florida.
Chen, Y.-Y., & Huang, J.-H. (2015). Precollege and In-College Bullying Experiences and Health-Related
Quality of Life Among College Students. Pediatrics, 135(1), 18–25.
Delprato, M., Akyeampong, K., & Dunne, M. (2017). The impact of bullying on students’ learning in Latin
America: A matching approach for 15 countries. International Journal of Educational Development, 52, 37–57.
Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact
Journal of Social Sciences and Media Studies (JOSSAMS) Volume 7, Issue of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta‐analysis of school‐based universal interventions.
Child Development, 82(1), 405-432.
Espelage, D. L., Polanin, J. R., & Low, S. K. (2014). Teacher and staff perceptions of school environment
as predictors of student aggression, victimization, and willingness to intervene in bullying situations. School
Psychology Quarterly, 29(3), 287.
Ford, R., King, T., Priest, N., & Kavanagh, A. (2017). Bullying and mental health and suicidal behaviour
among 14- to 15-year-olds in a representative sample of Australian children. Australian & New Zealand Journal
of Psychiatry, 51(9), 897–908.
Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Structural equation models with unobservable variables and
measurement error: Algebra and statistics. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(3), 382-388.
Gaffney, H., Ttofi, M. M., & Farrington, D. P. (2019). Evaluating the effectiveness of school-bullying
prevention programs: An updated meta-analytical review. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 45, 111-133.
Hair, J. F. (2010). Black, WC, Babin, BJ, & Anderson, RE (2010). Multivariate data analysis.
Hair, J. F., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2011). PLS-SEM: Indeed a silver bullet. Journal of Marketing Theory and
Practice, 19(2), 139-152.
Hair Jr, J. F., Sarstedt, M., Hopkins, L., & Kuppelwieser, V. G. (2014). Partial least squares structural equation
modeling (PLS-SEM): An emerging tool in business research. European Business
Review, 26(2), 106-121.
Henseler, J., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2015). A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in
variance-based structural equation modeling. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 43(1), 115-135.
Huesmann, L. R., & Guerra, N. G. (1997). Children's normative beliefs about aggression and aggressive
behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 72(2), 408-419.
Hughes, J., & Laffier, J. L. (2016). Portrayals of bullying in young adult literature: Considerations for
schools. Canadian Journal of Education/Revue canadienne de l’éducation, 39(3), 1-24.
Johnson, S. L. (2011). An ecological model of workplace bullying: a guide for intervention and research.
Nursing Forum, 46(2), 55-63. Blackwell Publishing Inc.
Juvonen, J., & Graham, S. (2014). Bullying in schools: The power of bullies and the plight of victims.
Annual Review of Psychology, 65, 159-185.
Khalique, M., Arif, I., Siddiqui, M., & Kazmi, S. W. (2018). Impact of workplace bullying on job
performance, intention to leave, OCB and stress. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 33(1), 55-74
Manna, R., Calzone, S., Adinolfi, P., & Palumbo, R. (2019). School bullying as a quality issue in
educational institutions: Some evidence from pupils with migrant background in Italy. The TQM Journal, 31(2),
274–291.
Mohzana, F., Nadeak, B., Ritonga, M., & Wekke, I. S. (2021). Bullying and Unhealthy Psychological Atmosphere in
Class: It’s Impact on the Quality of Education. Turkish Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, 32, 2.
Nadeak, B., Ritonga, M., & Wekke, I. S. (2021). Bullying and unhealthy psychological atmosphere in class:
it’s impact on the quality of education. Turkish Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation; 32(2), 3682-3689.
Neto, A. A. L. (2005). Bullying—Aggressive behavior among students. Jornal de Pediatria, 81(8), 164–
172.
Nishioka, V., Coe, M., Burke, A., Hanita, M., & Sprague, J. (2011). Student-Reported Overt and Relational
Aggression and Victimization in Grades 3-8. Issues & Answers. REL 2011-No. 114. Regional Educational
Laboratory at Education Northwest.
Pellegrini, A. D., & Long, J. D. (2002). A longitudinal study of bullying, dominance, and victimization
during the transition from primary school through secondary school. British Journal of Developmental
Psychology, 20(2), 259-280.
Plexousakis, S. S., Kourkoutas, E., Giovazolias, T., Chatira, K., & Nikolopoulos, D. (2019). School
Bullying and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: The Role of Parental Bonding. Frontiers in Public
Health, 7, 75. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00075
Pörhölä, M., Cvancara, K., Kaal, E., Kunttu, K., Tampere, K., & Torres, M. B. (2020). Bullying in
university between peers and by personnel: Cultural variation in prevalence, forms, and gender differences in
four countries. Social Psychology of Education, 23(1), 143-169.
Reardon, S. F. (2011). The widening academic achievement gap between the rich and the poor: New
evidence and possible explanations. Whither Opportunity, 1(1), 91-116.
Rose, C. A., & Monda-Amaya, L. E. (2012). Bullying and victimization among students with disabilities:
Effective strategies for classroom teachers. Intervention in School and Clinic, 48(2), 99-107.
Singh, T., Sharma, S., & Nagesh, S. (2017). Socio-economic status scales updated for 2017. Int J Res Med
Sci, 5(7), 3264-7.
Şirin, H. (2023). Bullying in Schools: Behaviors and Principles of Prevention. In Handbook of Research on
Bullying in Media and Beyond (pp. 325-336). IGI Global.
Sprague, J., & Nishioka, V. (2012). Preventing and Responding to Bullying and Harassment in Schools:
What we know and what can be Done. In B. G. Cook, M. Tankersley, & T. J. Landrum (Eds.), Advances in
Learning and Behavioral Disabilities (Vol. 25, pp. 217–245). Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Story, M., Nanney, M. S., & Schwartz, M. B. (2009). Schools and obesity prevention: creating school
environments and policies to promote healthy eating and physical activity. The Milbank Quarterly, 87(1), 71-
100.
Swearer, S. M., & Cary, P. T. (2007). Perceptions and attitudes toward bullying in middle school youth: A
developmental examination across the bullying continuum. Bullying, Victimization, and Peer Harassment, 67-
83.
Ttofi, M. M., & Farrington, D. P. (2011). Effectiveness of school-based programs to reduce bullying: A
systematic and meta-analytic review. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 7, 27-56.
Vernberg, E. M., Jacobs, A. K., & Hershberger, S. L. (1999). Peer victimization and attitudes about violence
during early adolescence. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 28(3), 386-395.
bullying and its relationship with psychiatric comorbidities: a literature review. The Egyptian Journal of
Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery, 58(1), 1-11.
Bajaj, S. (2023). Bullying and Unhealthy Psychological Atmosphere in Higher Education and its Impact on
the quality of education. Tijer-International Research Journal, 10(3), 1-14.
Bauman, S., & Del Rio, A. (2006). Preservice teachers' responses to bullying scenarios:
Comparing physical, verbal, and relational bullying. Journal of Educational Psychology, 98(1), 219-231.
Block, N. (2014). The Impact of Bullying on Academic Success for Students With and Without
Exceptionalities. https://hdl.handle.net/1807/67006
Borgen, N. T., Kirkebøen, L. J., Ogden, T., Raaum, O., & Sørlie, M. A. (2020). Impacts of school‐wide
positive behaviour support: Results from National Longitudinal Register Data. International Journal of
Psychology, 55, 4-15
Bradshaw, C. P., Mitchell, M. M., & Leaf, P. J. (2010). Examining the Effects of Schoolwide
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports on Student Outcomes: Results From a Randomized Controlled
Effectiveness Trial in Elementary Schools. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 12(3), 133–148.
Bullying Statistics—National Bullying Prevention Center. (2021).
https://www.pacer.org/bullying/info/stats.asp
Cantone, E., Piras, A. P., Vellante, M., Preti, A., Daníelsdóttir, S., D’Aloja, E., & Bhugra, D. (2015).
Interventions on bullying and cyberbullying in schools: A systematic review. Clinical Practice and
Epidemiology in Mental Health: CP & EMH, 11(Suppl 1 M4), 58.
Chatters, S. J. (2012). Impact of bullying prevention training on the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of
pre-education majors (future trainers). University of South Florida.
Chen, Y.-Y., & Huang, J.-H. (2015). Precollege and In-College Bullying Experiences and Health-Related
Quality of Life Among College Students. Pediatrics, 135(1), 18–25.
Delprato, M., Akyeampong, K., & Dunne, M. (2017). The impact of bullying on students’ learning in Latin
America: A matching approach for 15 countries. International Journal of Educational Development, 52, 37–57.
Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact
Journal of Social Sciences and Media Studies (JOSSAMS) Volume 7, Issue of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta‐analysis of school‐based universal interventions.
Child Development, 82(1), 405-432.
Espelage, D. L., Polanin, J. R., & Low, S. K. (2014). Teacher and staff perceptions of school environment
as predictors of student aggression, victimization, and willingness to intervene in bullying situations. School
Psychology Quarterly, 29(3), 287.
Ford, R., King, T., Priest, N., & Kavanagh, A. (2017). Bullying and mental health and suicidal behaviour
among 14- to 15-year-olds in a representative sample of Australian children. Australian & New Zealand Journal
of Psychiatry, 51(9), 897–908.
Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Structural equation models with unobservable variables and
measurement error: Algebra and statistics. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(3), 382-388.
Gaffney, H., Ttofi, M. M., & Farrington, D. P. (2019). Evaluating the effectiveness of school-bullying
prevention programs: An updated meta-analytical review. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 45, 111-133.
Hair, J. F. (2010). Black, WC, Babin, BJ, & Anderson, RE (2010). Multivariate data analysis.
Hair, J. F., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2011). PLS-SEM: Indeed a silver bullet. Journal of Marketing Theory and
Practice, 19(2), 139-152.
Hair Jr, J. F., Sarstedt, M., Hopkins, L., & Kuppelwieser, V. G. (2014). Partial least squares structural equation
modeling (PLS-SEM): An emerging tool in business research. European Business
Review, 26(2), 106-121.
Henseler, J., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2015). A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in
variance-based structural equation modeling. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 43(1), 115-135.
Huesmann, L. R., & Guerra, N. G. (1997). Children's normative beliefs about aggression and aggressive
behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 72(2), 408-419.
Hughes, J., & Laffier, J. L. (2016). Portrayals of bullying in young adult literature: Considerations for
schools. Canadian Journal of Education/Revue canadienne de l’éducation, 39(3), 1-24.
Johnson, S. L. (2011). An ecological model of workplace bullying: a guide for intervention and research.
Nursing Forum, 46(2), 55-63. Blackwell Publishing Inc.
Juvonen, J., & Graham, S. (2014). Bullying in schools: The power of bullies and the plight of victims.
Annual Review of Psychology, 65, 159-185.
Khalique, M., Arif, I., Siddiqui, M., & Kazmi, S. W. (2018). Impact of workplace bullying on job
performance, intention to leave, OCB and stress. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 33(1), 55-74
Manna, R., Calzone, S., Adinolfi, P., & Palumbo, R. (2019). School bullying as a quality issue in
educational institutions: Some evidence from pupils with migrant background in Italy. The TQM Journal, 31(2),
274–291.
Mohzana, F., Nadeak, B., Ritonga, M., & Wekke, I. S. (2021). Bullying and Unhealthy Psychological Atmosphere in
Class: It’s Impact on the Quality of Education. Turkish Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, 32, 2.
Nadeak, B., Ritonga, M., & Wekke, I. S. (2021). Bullying and unhealthy psychological atmosphere in class:
it’s impact on the quality of education. Turkish Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation; 32(2), 3682-3689.
Neto, A. A. L. (2005). Bullying—Aggressive behavior among students. Jornal de Pediatria, 81(8), 164–
172.
Nishioka, V., Coe, M., Burke, A., Hanita, M., & Sprague, J. (2011). Student-Reported Overt and Relational
Aggression and Victimization in Grades 3-8. Issues & Answers. REL 2011-No. 114. Regional Educational
Laboratory at Education Northwest.
Pellegrini, A. D., & Long, J. D. (2002). A longitudinal study of bullying, dominance, and victimization
during the transition from primary school through secondary school. British Journal of Developmental
Psychology, 20(2), 259-280.
Plexousakis, S. S., Kourkoutas, E., Giovazolias, T., Chatira, K., & Nikolopoulos, D. (2019). School
Bullying and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: The Role of Parental Bonding. Frontiers in Public
Health, 7, 75. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00075
Pörhölä, M., Cvancara, K., Kaal, E., Kunttu, K., Tampere, K., & Torres, M. B. (2020). Bullying in
university between peers and by personnel: Cultural variation in prevalence, forms, and gender differences in
four countries. Social Psychology of Education, 23(1), 143-169.
Reardon, S. F. (2011). The widening academic achievement gap between the rich and the poor: New
evidence and possible explanations. Whither Opportunity, 1(1), 91-116.
Rose, C. A., & Monda-Amaya, L. E. (2012). Bullying and victimization among students with disabilities:
Effective strategies for classroom teachers. Intervention in School and Clinic, 48(2), 99-107.
Singh, T., Sharma, S., & Nagesh, S. (2017). Socio-economic status scales updated for 2017. Int J Res Med
Sci, 5(7), 3264-7.
Şirin, H. (2023). Bullying in Schools: Behaviors and Principles of Prevention. In Handbook of Research on
Bullying in Media and Beyond (pp. 325-336). IGI Global.
Sprague, J., & Nishioka, V. (2012). Preventing and Responding to Bullying and Harassment in Schools:
What we know and what can be Done. In B. G. Cook, M. Tankersley, & T. J. Landrum (Eds.), Advances in
Learning and Behavioral Disabilities (Vol. 25, pp. 217–245). Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Story, M., Nanney, M. S., & Schwartz, M. B. (2009). Schools and obesity prevention: creating school
environments and policies to promote healthy eating and physical activity. The Milbank Quarterly, 87(1), 71-
100.
Swearer, S. M., & Cary, P. T. (2007). Perceptions and attitudes toward bullying in middle school youth: A
developmental examination across the bullying continuum. Bullying, Victimization, and Peer Harassment, 67-
83.
Ttofi, M. M., & Farrington, D. P. (2011). Effectiveness of school-based programs to reduce bullying: A
systematic and meta-analytic review. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 7, 27-56.
Vernberg, E. M., Jacobs, A. K., & Hershberger, S. L. (1999). Peer victimization and attitudes about violence
during early adolescence. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 28(3), 386-395.
Published
2023-06-27
How to Cite
Abbasi, M. A., Shaikh, J., & Kazmi, S. W. (2023). The Enigma of Bullying and Unhealthy Atmosphere in Higher Education. Journal of Social Sciences and Media Studies, 7(1), 44-53. https://doi.org/10.58921/jossams.07.01.0251
Section
Articles
