Power Dynamics: Why Do People Become Bullies?

Bullying is a pervasive issue that can occur anywhere—schools, workplaces, homes, and even online.

But why do some people engage in such harmful behavior?

While bullies often appear confident and in control, their actions often stem from deeper issues.

This blog will explore the psychological, social, and situational factors that drive people to bully, the impact of bullying, and how we can prevent it.

Why People Become Bullies

Bullying behavior doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

It’s often the result of a complex interplay between personal struggles, social influences, and situational triggers.

Psychological factors

Low self-esteem and insecurity

It may seem surprising, but many bullies struggle with their own self-worth.

They often bully others to cover up their own feelings of inadequacy and to create a false sense of power.

A 2020 study published in Aggressive Behavior found that people with low self-esteem are more likely to engage in bullying.

For them, bullying becomes a way to compensate for how they feel inside.

Need for control and dominance

Some bullies crave control over others and use intimidation as a way to feel powerful, especially in situations where they feel helpless or out of control.

This need for dominance is common in environments with clear power structures, like schools or workplaces, where some individuals may try to assert their authority over others to feel more in control.

Lack of empathy

A big part of bullying is the inability or unwillingness to understand how their actions affect others.

Bullies often don’t feel or care about the pain they cause, which makes it easier for them to continue harmful behavior.

This lack of empathy may stem from environmental factors, like growing up in a home where nurturing relationships were absent.

Without learning empathy early on, it can be harder for individuals to develop compassion for others.

Social factors

Peer pressure and group dynamics

In group settings, people—especially young individuals—may engage in bullying as a way to fit in or gain approval from their peers.

This desire for acceptance can push someone to behave aggressively, even if it goes against their values.

A study in Social Development found that bullying often happens in groups.

In these situations, bystanders or even people who encourage the bully can play a big role in keeping the behavior going.

Modeling of aggressive behavior

Children and teens are more likely to bully if they grow up in environments where aggression is seen as normal or acceptable. This might come from their families, schools, or even the media.

For instance, a child who witnesses domestic violence might start to see bullying as a way to deal with conflict.

If they haven’t learned peaceful ways to resolve problems, aggression may seem like the only option.

Cultural norms and expectations

Cultural attitudes can also influence bullying.

In societies that place a high value on competition or strict social hierarchies, aggressive behavior may be tolerated or even encouraged.

In some cultures, people are taught that being the “top dog” is most important, and bullying may be overlooked or even seen as a way to assert dominance.

This can create an environment where bullying is seen as acceptable or necessary.

Situational factors

Stressful environments

When people find themselves in high-stress situations—such as dysfunctional families, toxic workplaces, or high-pressure schools—they might lash out at others as a way of coping with their feelings.

Stress can make people feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or out of control.

In these moments, bullying can be a misguided attempt to regain control or release pent-up emotions, even if it’s hurtful to others.

Lack of supervision

In environments where there is little oversight or authority—like unsupervised playgrounds, classrooms, or workplaces—bullying is more likely to happen.

Without clear rules, guidance, or someone to step in, people may feel they can get away with bullying.

The absence of supervision can allow aggressive behavior to go unchecked, making it harder for victims to feel safe.

Perceived threats or challenges

Bullying can also arise out of fear. If someone feels threatened—whether to their social standing, job security, or self-image—they might try to put others down to protect themselves.

When people feel insecure or vulnerable, they might target others they see as a threat.

This could be someone who challenges their position, competes with them for attention, or threatens their self-esteem.

The Impact of Bullying

The consequences of bullying extend far beyond the immediate harm. Let’s explore how it affects victims in both the short and long term.

Short-term effects

Emotional distress

Victims of bullying often feel overwhelmed by emotions like anxiety, fear, and sadness.

These feelings can make it hard to feel safe or confident, and may even cause them to withdraw from social situations or activities they once enjoyed.

Being bullied repeatedly can erode a person’s sense of self-worth and make them feel like they don’t belong.

Physical harm

In some cases, bullying goes beyond words and escalates into physical violence, which can cause bruises, injuries, or long-lasting physical pain.

Bullies may try to intimidate or control their victims through physical force, causing harm that can be both visible and hidden.

Academic difficulties

Students who are bullied often struggle in school.

The stress of being bullied makes it hard to concentrate, leading to a drop in grades or difficulty keeping up with lessons.

Constant worry about being bullied can make it hard for students to focus on their work, leading to feelings of frustration and falling behind in school.

Stat: According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 20% of students aged 12-18 in the U.S. report being bullied, with many citing academic struggles as a result.

Long-term effects

Mental health issues

Bullying can have lasting effects on a person’s mental health.

Victims may develop conditions like depression, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the trauma they experienced.

Constant bullying can make people feel worthless or helpless, and over time, these feelings can evolve into more serious mental health struggles, affecting their overall well-being.

Social isolation

Victims of bullying may find it difficult to trust others or feel comfortable around people, leading them to withdraw from social interactions.

The fear of being hurt again can cause them to isolate themselves from friends, family, or social groups.

After being hurt by others, it’s natural for victims to be afraid of putting themselves in vulnerable situations again.

This fear can make it hard to connect with others, leaving them feeling alone.

Difficulty forming healthy relationships

The trust issues that develop from being bullied can stick around into adulthood.

Victims may struggle to form close, trusting relationships, as they may fear being hurt again.

When someone has been hurt repeatedly, they may have difficulty believing that others will treat them kindly or respect their boundaries.

This can make it harder to build healthy, trusting relationships in the future.

Research: A longitudinal study in JAMA Psychiatry found that individuals bullied as children are more likely to experience mental health problems well into adulthood.

Preventing Bullying

While bullying can have serious effects, the good news is that it’s something we can work to prevent.

Here are some key strategies that can help combat bullying and create safer, more supportive environments for everyone.

Promoting empathy and kindness

Empathy—understanding and sharing the feelings of others—is an essential tool in preventing bullying.

When people are able to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, they’re less likely to engage in harmful behavior.

Programs like Roots of Empathy teach children how to recognize and understand emotions, which helps reduce bullying in schools.

When kids learn to be more empathetic, they’re less likely to bully their peers.

Building strong relationships

Having strong, supportive relationships can protect against bullying.

Whether it’s a teacher, manager, or a group of friends, knowing that you have people who care about you can make a huge difference.

Positive connections with trusted adults or peers can help individuals feel safe, supported, and less vulnerable to bullying.

These strong bonds can act as a shield when things get tough.

Educating about power dynamics

Bullying often happens because of imbalances of power.

Educating people about these power dynamics and teaching them to recognize and challenge unhealthy behavior is key in preventing bullying.

Workshops, campaigns, and open discussions about how power can be misused can help individuals become more aware of bullying behaviors and how to challenge them.

Creating a supportive environment

Victims of bullying need to know they have a safe space to turn to when they need help.

It’s important to create environments—whether in schools, workplaces, or communities—where people can report bullying without fear of retaliation.

Clear protocols for handling bullying complaints, as well as trusted people to turn to, are vital.

This ensures that victims feel safe and supported when they come forward.

Implementing effective anti-bullying policies

Clear, well-enforced anti-bullying policies are essential in any setting.

These policies should define what constitutes bullying and outline the consequences for those who engage in it.

When people know that bullying is taken seriously and will have consequences, they’re less likely to participate in harmful behaviors.

Stat: Schools with comprehensive anti-bullying policies see a 25% reduction in bullying incidents, according to the National Bullying Prevention Center.

Final Thoughts

Bullying is a complicated problem influenced by power struggles, personal insecurities, and the environment someone grows up in.

When we understand the reasons behind bullying, we can take meaningful steps to stop it.

By addressing its root causes and promoting kindness and respect, we can build stronger, more compassionate communities where everyone feels safe and valued.