The Components of Psychological Growth in Adolescents Overcoming Bullying Experiences
Keywords:
Bullying, Adolescents, Psychological growth, Resilience, Posttraumatic growthAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to explore the components of psychological growth in adolescents who have experienced and overcome bullying, with a focus on identifying transformative processes that foster resilience and positive development.
Methods and Materials: A qualitative design was employed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 25 adolescents aged 13–18 years residing in Spain. Participants were purposively selected based on their history of bullying victimization and evidence of recovery. Interviews, lasting 45–70 minutes, explored personal experiences, coping strategies, and perceived transformations after overcoming bullying. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically with the aid of NVivo 14 software. To enhance rigor, coding was independently performed by two researchers and cross-validated for consistency.
Findings: Three overarching themes were identified: (1) Personal Transformation, including enhanced self-confidence, emotional regulation, resilience, self-awareness, and independence; (2) Interpersonal Growth, encompassing supportive peer relationships, improved communication, empathy, rebuilding trust, family connectedness, and positive role models; and (3) Coping and Adaptive Strategies, such as cognitive reframing, problem-solving, seeking professional help, spiritual or philosophical coping, healthy lifestyle choices, creative expression, and digital resources. Participants’ narratives underscored the centrality of social support, meaning-making, and proactive coping in fostering posttraumatic growth. Representative quotations illustrated the adolescents’ active role in reframing adversity and reconstructing positive identities.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that bullying, while a significant risk factor for psychological harm, can also serve as a catalyst for psychological growth in adolescents who develop adaptive coping strategies, supportive relationships, and reflective self-awareness. These insights underscore the importance of fostering protective contexts in schools, families, and communities and highlight opportunities for therapeutic and educational interventions that promote resilience and transformation in bullied adolescents.
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