Goals Shape Perceptions of Defending Norms: Social Goal Orientations and Bullying-Related Behaviors

This longitudinal study examined a motivational–cognitive pathway linking adolescents’ social goal orientations, perceived defending norms, and bullying-related behaviors. We tested whether social goal orientations predicted adolescents’ perceptions of defending norms and subsequent involvement in bullying-related roles, and whether perceived defending norms mediated these associations. Participants were 956 South Korean students in Grades 4–6 (52.5% male). Social goal orientations (Wave 1, self-report), perceived defending norms (Wave 2, self-report), and bullying, defending, and assisting/reinforcing behaviors (Wave 2, peer nominations) were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Social development goals were positively associated with perceived defending norms and greater defending, whereas demonstration-approach goals were negatively associated with perceived defending norms and positively associated with bullying and assisting/reinforcing. Perceived defending norms mediated the association between social development goals and defending behavior. These findings clarify how adolescents’ social motivations shape interpretations of peer norms and promote defending behavior during early adolescence.