Capturing the Complexity of Bullying Perpetration and Victimisation: a Network Approach in a Representative Sample of Brazilian Adolescents

Person-centred approaches assume homogenous subgroups and are limited in capturing the nuanced relationships among bullying behaviours. We applied network analysis – a variable-centred approach – to examine bullying using the self-reported Zurich Brief Bullying Scales (measuring social exclusion, property destruction, verbal and physical aggression, and sexual bullying) in a representative sample of 2,598 15-year-olds (48.0% female) in São Paulo, Brazil. To identify unique item combinations categorised into bullying roles, we created an UpSet plot. We estimated a mixed graphical model using a regularised nodewise regression approach via the Extended Bayesian Information Criterion, and subsequently examined node predictability, clustering, centrality, and network stability. There was substantial heterogeneity in bullying roles, particularly for bully-victims. The network model revealed a relatively high density, with 33 out of 45 edges, and two distinct but deeply intertwined dimensions of bullying perpetration and victimisation, which were primarily linked by victimisation through physical aggression. Perpetration through verbal aggression was most strongly connected to individual bullying behaviours. Node predictability was modest, suggesting greater influence from factors outside the network. Verbal aggression showed higher predictability and could be reduced by targeting other forms of bullying, whereas physical aggression with lower predictability may be best addressed directly or by targeting external risk factors. The network approach represents an alternative approach to mapping the complexity of bullying, conceptualising bullying as mutually reinforcing behaviours. Researchers may want to integrate the network approach and leverage its decade of progress to uncover new insights into bullying involvement, leading to more effective prevention and treatment strategies.