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Brain Bullying Research

The Science Behind Bullying: Brain and Bullying Research

Understanding the Brain’s Role in Bullying

Recent research into the psychology of bullying has revealed that bullying is not just a social or behavioral issue; it also affects the brain on a fundamental level. Bullying is fairly common during adolescence, with about 25-50% of teenagers in the U.S. reporting that they have bullied or been a victim of bullying. Both victims and perpetrators experience changes in their brain function and structure, which can influence their actions, emotions, and long-term mental health.
This section explores the brain-based effects of bullying and what science reveals about these complex interactions.

Effects on Brain Function
and Structure

Brain imaging has shown how bullying can lead to long-term changes in key brain regions. The diagram above shows two brain scans: one labeled “Healthy” and the other labeled “Chronic Depression.” The focus in both images is on the frontal cortex, which is a key region involved in emotional regulation, decision-making, and social behavior. The scan of a healthy brain shows a higher intensity of red and orange colors in the frontal cortex. These colors indicate higher brain metabolism and blood flow, suggesting that this area is more active and functioning optimally. In contrast, the brain labeled “Chronic Depression” shows reduced red and orange areas, with more green and blue regions in the frontal cortex. This indicates lower brain metabolism and blood flow in this area, which is commonly associated with depressive symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, emotional numbness, and impaired decision-making.

How Bullying Affects the Brain

Research shows that both victims of bullying and those who engage in bullying are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Prolonged exposure to bullying can result in long-term changes in brain structure and function, particularly in the frontal cortex, which is responsible for managing emotions, regulating social behavior, and making decisions.
Victims often experience intense emotional stress, leading to a prolonged activation of the stress response system. This can result in lower blood flow and activity in key brain regions like the frontal cortex, increasing the risk of developing depressive disorders. Perpetrators of bullying, especially those who engage in relational or physical bullying, may also face increased risks of long-term mental health issues. Their chronic stress and aggressive tendencies can lead to altered brain functioning, potentially resulting in similar changes to the frontal cortex as seen in those with chronic depression.

Distinct Brain Patterns in Bullies

Teens who bully their peers show unique patterns of brain activity. Specifically, adolescents who engage in relational bullying—such as excluding others or spreading rumors—exhibit heightened activity in the amygdala when they see angry faces, and reduced activity when they see fearful faces. This indicates increased sensitivity to anger, which may drive defensive or aggressive reactions, while their lower response to fear suggests a struggle to recognize others’ distress, leading to reduced empathy and compassion. These findings underscore how bullying behavior might be perpetuated by brain patterns that make bullies less responsive to the suffering they cause.

Effects on Victims
(Those Who Are Bullied)

Victims of bullying often experience a range of emotional and psychological effects due to changes in their brain structure and function. Key brain regions affected include:

Amygdala

Research by Dr. Johnna R. Swartz from the University of California, Davis, has shown that victims of bullying often have an overactive amygdala, leading to heightened emotional responses, such as fear and anxiety. This overactivation is linked to chronic stress responses and emotional instability in victims.

Hippocampus

Studies led by Dr. Martin Teicher at Harvard University found that prolonged exposure to bullying and stress can impair the hippocampus. This region, which is responsible for memory and emotional regulation, becomes less effective, leading to difficulties with concentration and increased vulnerability to conditions like depression.

Prefrontal Cortex

Research by Dr. Jean Decety at the University of Chicago highlighted that reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex impairs a victim’s ability to regulate emotions, make decisions, and engage in social interactions effectively. This is often linked to difficulties in managing emotions and forming healthy relationships.

Neurological and Emotional
Outcomes for Victims

Victims of bullying often endure prolonged emotional and psychological distress, which can lead to lasting changes in brain function and mental health. Continuous exposure to fear, humiliation, and social exclusion affects their emotional resilience and can trigger profound alterations in the brain. As a result, victims are at an elevated risk of developing a range of neurological and emotional disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression, and panic disorders, each of which can significantly impact their well-being and daily functioning. Risks and Disorders for Victims include:

Increased Risk of Anxiety Disorders

Constant fear and stress lead to hyperactivation of the amygdala, resulting in excessive worry, restlessness, and social withdrawal. (Swartz et al., 2016)

Depressive Disorders

Over time, victims may develop depressive symptoms due to persistent feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem. (Teicher et al., 2017)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder

Chronic stress responses make victims more susceptible to generalized anxiety or panic attacks, particularly in social settings similar to where the bullying occurred. (Swartz et al., 2016)

Effects on Bullies
(Those Who Engage in Bullying Behavior)

Engaging in bullying behavior can lead to a desensitization to the emotions of others, which reduces the development of empathy-related brain circuits. This desensitization impairs their ability to feel and respond to others’ emotions. Additionally, bullying behavior activates brain regions associated with reward processing, reinforcing aggressive conduct and making it more likely to continue. Over time, this pattern of behavior can impair the development of brain areas responsible for social cognition, such as understanding and responding to the emotions of others, thereby diminishing their capacity for appropriate social interactions. Key brain regions affected include:

Amygdala

Research by Dr. Stéphane De Brito at the University of Birmingham showed that bullies often have an overactive amygdala when engaging in aggressive behaviors, which is tied to reward-seeking behavior and a sense of dominance.

Prefrontal Cortex

According to studies by Dr. Abigail Marsh at Georgetown University, bullies frequently demonstrate reduced engagement in the prefrontal cortex, which affects their ability to regulate impulses, demonstrate empathy, and consider the consequences of their actions.

Nucleus Accumbens

Findings by Dr. Essi Viding from University College London revealed that bullies may experience increased activation in the nucleus accumbens, a region linked to reward processing, which reinforces their aggressive behavior through positive feedback from peers or a sense of social power.

Neurological and Emotional
Outcomes for for Bullies:

Lower engagement of the prefrontal cortex reduces empathy and impulse control, increasing the likelihood of persistent antisocial behavior. (Marsh et al., 2014)

The reward-driven reinforcement of the amygdala and nucleus accumbens can lead to continued aggressive behavior, putting bullies at higher risk of conduct disorders or aggressive tendencies in adulthood. (Viding et al., 2012)

Despite appearing confident or dominant, bullies often struggle with internal conflicts, leading to anxiety and depression, likely due to cognitive dissonance or difficulties with emotional regulation. (De Brito et al., 2016)

Effects on Bystanders
(Those Who Witness Bullying)

Bystanders are often overlooked in bullying research, yet witnessing bullying can have profound effects on their psychological well-being and brain function. Bystanders who witness bullying can experience significant emotional distress, which activates brain areas associated with fear and anxiety. Constant exposure to such situations can influence the development of brain regions related to sympathy and empathy, potentially affecting their ability to engage in future social interactions. This exposure to repeated emotional distress may shape how bystanders perceive and respond to the suffering of others, impacting their long-term emotional and social development. Key brain regions affected include:

Anterior Cingulate Cortex

Dr. Naomi Eisenberger from UCLA found that the ACC is involved in processing social pain and moral dilemmas. When bystanders witness bullying, their ACC becomes active as they experience the internal conflict between intervening or staying silent.

Amygdala

Bystanders who feel threatened or fearful of becoming targets may experience heightened amygdala activation. This leads to stress responses similar to those of victims, causing emotional discomfort and avoidance behaviors. (Eisenberger et al., 2003)

Prefrontal Cortex

Dr. Sukhvinder Obhi from McMaster University highlighted that the prefrontal cortex is crucial in making moral decisions. In situations where bystanders feel unsure or hesitant, their prefrontal cortex is actively engaged in considering intervention. When they choose to remain passive, reduced activation in this region contributes to feelings of guilt or regret over time.

Neurological and Emotional
Outcomes for Bystanders:

Chronic exposure to bullying situations can result in moral distress or feelings of guilt, leading to anxiety and internalized stress.

Repeated exposure without intervention heightens social anxiety, causing bystanders to avoid confrontations or group settings.

Over time, bystanders may become desensitized or experience reduced empathy, particularly if bullying occurs frequently and interventions are rare.

Common Effects on All Parties: Impaired Neuroplasticity

Chronic stress resulting from bullying can significantly impair neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt, reorganize, and learn. This impairment affects the brain’s capacity to respond flexibly to new situations and experiences. The stress response triggered by bullying also disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to changes in mood, behavior, and overall mental health. Additionally, the ongoing stress related to bullying can negatively impact cognitive functions, such as attention, concentration, and problem-solving abilities, affecting bullies, victims, and bystanders alike.

Call to Action

Bullying affects not only individuals’ emotions but also their brain development. It is essential to foster empathy, provide support, and encourage positive interventions to break the cycle of bullying and create a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone.
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