The Social Cognitions of Victims of Bullying: A Systematic Review

Abstract The nature of the relation between victimization bullying and social information processing is unclear. prevention hypothesis predicts that victims focus more on negative cues to prevent further escalation. In contrast, reaffiliation positive restore situation. Alternatively, desensitization become increasingly insensitive because a numbing effect. This systematic review examines evidence for these three hypotheses processing. two phases processing: encoding (attending registration cues) interpreting (making sense multiple simultaneously). These are important prerequisites behavioral responses. search led inclusion 142 articles, which were published 1998 2021 received quality assessment. studies included average about 1600 participants (range: 14–25,684), who 11.4 years old 4.1–17.0). topics covered in literature attention accurate cues, peer perception, attribution situations, empathy, theory mind. results most often line with suggested related social-cognitive style, as shown by perception peers general situational attribution. Victimization seemed unrelated abilities empathize or understand others, contradicted hypothesis. However, may only occur after prolonged persistent victimization, date has been sparsely studied. could not be thoroughly examined, did include cues. prevention, it consider style this impede development interactions.