Features of bullying manifestation among university students

Introduction. The issue of bullying within educational institutions is increasingly acknowledged by both the global community and the Russian public. Bullying among students exhibits a more complex structure and differs from that in primary and secondary schools in terms of its focus and awareness. This complexity necessitates the development of intervention programmes that consider the specific causes and dynamics of bullying in higher education.

Aim. The aim of this research is to study the characteristics of bullying behaviour among students.

Methodology and research methods. The theoretical foundation of this research is based on a humanistic approach to education. To achieve the research aim, the following methodological tools were employed: E.G. Norkina’s methodology for identifying the bullying structure; the Buss – Durkee emotion test for assessing emotional reactions; the psychological diagnostic method for coping with stressful and personally challenging situations, known as “Strategies of Coping Behaviour”; and a methodology for determining students’ comfort levels. The study involved 124 students from Novosibirsk State Technical University.

Results. The primary psychological roles and positions in bullying situations among students have been identified as defenders and observers. Among humanitarian and technical students, no significant differences were found in the indicators of bullying behaviour. The emotional reactions most commonly observed in bullying situations were irritation and resentment. At the same time, no forms of aggression were observed in the study sample. No significant differences were found between the two groups examined. Various coping strategies were identified, all of which were moderately common; the most prominent strategy was distancing. A notable difference was observed in the level of comfort within the educational organisation between the two groups: technical students reported a slightly higher level of comfort compared to their peers in the humanities. Scientific novelty. This study examines the characteristics of bullying behaviour among students. It identifies and analyses the specific manifestations of bullying among students in technical and humanities disciplines.

Practical significance. The results obtained from the study can be utilised, with minimal adaptation, to assess the prevalence of bullying within the student body. Additionally, these findings can inform the development of preventive and corrective programmes designed to address and respond promptly to this phenomenon when it is identified.

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