Prospective associations between personality and bullying among Australian adolescents

Objective: This study aimed to examine whether high-risk personality dimensions increased susceptibility to bullying victimisation and perpetration among Australian adolescents. Method: Longitudinal cohort study of 527 secondary school students in Australia (baseline average age=13years, 67% female and 93% Australian-born). Bullying was measured using an amended version of the Revised Olweus Bully/Victim Scale. Personality was measured using the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale. The data were analysed using mixed models, examining the association between baseline personality scores and frequency of victimisation/perpetration 12months later. Results: Baseline hopelessness and baseline impulsivity were positively associated with frequency of victimisation 12months later. Baseline anxiety sensitivity was negatively associated with victimisation 12months later for males. There was a positive association between baseline impulsivity and frequency of bullying perpetration 12months later. Conclusion: High-risk personality dimensions predicted later bullying victimisation and bullying perpetration among Australian adolescents. This indicates that adding a personality-focused intervention for high-risk adolescents to existing universal bullying prevention approaches may be effective in improving the prevention of bullying among adolescents, as well as reducing other associated emotional and behavioural problems.