# Adolescents’ Self and Bullying Victimisation: The Key Role of Gender

## TL;DR

This study explores how self-criticism and gender influence bullying victimization among adolescents.

## Contribution

The study identifies gender as a moderator in the relationship between self-perception and bullying victimization.

## Key findings

- Gender moderates the relationship between 'hated self' and bullying victimization.
- Self-criticism dimensions are linked to bullying victimization in adolescents.
- Findings highlight the importance of gender in understanding bullying dynamics during adolescence.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: The primary factors influencing victimisation in bullying have recently become a topic of debate in the psychological literature. This research sought to explore the association between self-criticism (as captured in terms of inadequate self, hated self, and reassured self) and bullying victimisation, also addressing the moderating effects of gender. Methods: This study relies on a cross-sectional research design, enrolling a sample of 328 adolescents (Mage = 14.93; SDage = 0.81; 162 females, 49.4%). Participants completed a short questionnaire about their age, gender, and family’s socio-economic status. They also answered questions from the Forms of Self-Criticising/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale and the Florence Bullying and Victimisation Scales. Results: Statistical analysis indicated gender moderated only the interplay between hated self and bullying victimisation. Conclusions: Through a multidimensional approach, these findings provided further insight into the primary factors of self to the phenomenon of bullying victimisation, also yielding further evidence about the key role of gender during a critical developmental stage, such as adolescence. Limitations, implications, and future research directions are discussed.