The influence of friendships on bullying behavior among Brazilian adolescents

The study aimed to examine differences in perceived negative influence from friends among adolescents categorized into four bullying behavior groups (aggressors, victims, neither aggressors nor victims, and victims/aggressors). Additionally, it explored whether victimized adolescents differed significantly from non-victims, and if aggressors differed from non-aggressors, across four types of bullying (cyberbullying, physical, verbal, and relational). A total of 194 participants took part, with 61.3% identifying as female (M = 17.46 years; SD = 1.26). Instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire, Bullying Victimization/Behavior Scales, and the Modified Negative Peer Influence Scale. Results indicated that the group of victims/aggressors reported having more friends who exhibited delinquent and bullying behaviors compared to other groups. Victims of verbal, physical, and relational bullying, when compared to non-victims, were found to associate more with friends displaying negative behaviors. Comparisons between aggressors and non-aggressors revealed that all forms of aggression were linked to friendships with peers exhibiting delinquent and bullying behaviors. The study suggests future research should delve into the impacts of other socialization contexts - such as family, school, and community - to comprehensively understand this phenomenon.