Cognitive Behavioural Perspective for Addressing Faulty Thinking Patterns among Bullies and Victims

The study aimed at addressing the faulty thinking patterns among bullies and victims. For the purpose of the study 16 high school students between the age range of 13-16 years were selected using purposive sampling. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was administered on bullies and victims to find out any episodes of emotional distress and a semi-structured interview was chosen to explore the personal experiences of bullies and victims. Results revealed that seven of the participants had emotional distress. The cognitive distortions of minimization, labeling, all/none thinking, discounting the positives and in congruence of experience and expression might have led to the emotional distress in them.