Summary
This qualitative study investigated how bullying and cyberbullying are understood and addressed within UK psychological and legal practice through interviews with nine practitioners (five psychologists and four lawyers). Thematic analysis identified gaps in mental health assessment procedures regarding prior bullying exposure, inconsistencies in legal response frameworks, and the need for improved cross-professional collaboration. The authors recommend revisions to clinical psychological assessments and legal policies to better address bullying-related psychological distress and reduce associated psychopathology.
UK applicability
Findings are directly applicable to UK practice, as the study was conducted exclusively with UK-based mental health and legal professionals. Recommendations for revising clinical psychological assessments and legal policies are specific to the UK context and applicable to policy development within the NHS and legal system.
Key measures
Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with five practitioner psychologists and four lawyers; themes related to definition and impact of bullying/cyberbullying, inclusion in psychological risk assessments, and intervention through education
Outcomes reported
The study identified three main themes concerning how bullying and cyberbullying are defined, characterised, and assessed within psychological and legal practice in the UK. It examined current professional procedures for including bullying history in psychological risk assessments and documented recommendations for revising clinical practices and legal policies.
Topic tags
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