Being bullied in virtual environments: experiences and reactions of male and female students to a male or female oppressor

摘要: Bullying is a pressing societal problem. As such, it important to gain better understanding of the mechanisms involved in bullying and resilience factors which might protect victims. Moreover, necessary provide tools that can train potential victims strengthen their resilience. To facilitate both these goals, current study tests recently developed virtual environment puts participants role victim who being oppressed by superior. In 2 × between-subjects experiment (N = 81), we measured effects gender oppressor participant on psychophysiological reactions, subjective experiences willingness report event. The results reveal even when male female bully show exact same behavior, perceived as more threatening. terms victim, only difference emerged was pronounced increase heart rate males. were moderated personality social gender, neuroticism, need belong, while self-esteem did not any moderating influence.