A Thematic Analysis of Students’ Perceptions and Experiences of Bullying in UK Higher Education
Author(s) / Creator(s)
Harrison, Emma D.
Hulme, Julie A.
Fox, Claire L.
Abstract / Description
Bullying in higher education (HE) has been relatively under-researched; despite its likely prevalence and impact on student wellbeing there is scant understanding of students’ lived experiences of bullying. We conducted online and physical focus groups with UK HE students (40 undergraduates from 17 UK universities, mean age: 22), exploring their perceptions and experiences of bullying at university. Thematic analysis was used to identify key issues, specifically a) the importance of a power imbalance and perpetuation of existing systemic inequality in a HE context; b) bullying in HE is motivated by attainment of social and personal gains; c) the tactics used to bully in HE resemble those seen in other contexts, but may be more nuanced; d) bullying can be minimized and justified within HE, leading to its continued prevalence. We conclude that HE bullying shares features in common with school and workplace bullying, and with sexual harassment. However, further research is needed to accurately define and conceptualize bullying in this unique context. HE providers should consider attending to issues of power and inequality within their bullying and harassment policies. They should also ensure there is clear information and guidance to prevent and reduce bullying in universities.
Keyword(s)
bullying students higher education thematic analysis focus groups qualitativePersistent Identifier
Date of first publication
2021-02-25
Journal title
Europe's Journal of Psychology
Publisher
PsychArchives
Publication status
acceptedVersion
Review status
reviewed
Is version of
Citation
Harrison, E. D., Hulme, J. A., & Fox, C. L. (in press). A thematic analysis of students’ perceptions and experiences of bullying in UK higher education [Author accepted manuscript]. Europe's Journal of Psychology.
https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.3669
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Harrison_Hulme_Fox_2021_Thematic_Analysis_EJOP_AAM.pdfAdobe PDF - 433.98KBMD5: 04f47027c9dcfb145c19725c9612f12aDescription: Author Accepted Manuscript
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Author(s) / Creator(s)Harrison, Emma D.
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Author(s) / Creator(s)Hulme, Julie A.
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Author(s) / Creator(s)Fox, Claire L.
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PsychArchives acquisition timestamp2021-02-25T15:00:34Z
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Made available on2021-02-25T15:00:34Z
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Date of first publication2021-02-25
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Abstract / DescriptionBullying in higher education (HE) has been relatively under-researched; despite its likely prevalence and impact on student wellbeing there is scant understanding of students’ lived experiences of bullying. We conducted online and physical focus groups with UK HE students (40 undergraduates from 17 UK universities, mean age: 22), exploring their perceptions and experiences of bullying at university. Thematic analysis was used to identify key issues, specifically a) the importance of a power imbalance and perpetuation of existing systemic inequality in a HE context; b) bullying in HE is motivated by attainment of social and personal gains; c) the tactics used to bully in HE resemble those seen in other contexts, but may be more nuanced; d) bullying can be minimized and justified within HE, leading to its continued prevalence. We conclude that HE bullying shares features in common with school and workplace bullying, and with sexual harassment. However, further research is needed to accurately define and conceptualize bullying in this unique context. HE providers should consider attending to issues of power and inequality within their bullying and harassment policies. They should also ensure there is clear information and guidance to prevent and reduce bullying in universities.en_US
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Publication statusacceptedVersionen
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Review statusrevieweden
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CitationHarrison, E. D., Hulme, J. A., & Fox, C. L. (in press). A thematic analysis of students’ perceptions and experiences of bullying in UK higher education [Author accepted manuscript]. Europe's Journal of Psychology. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.3669en
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ISSN1841-0413
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Persistent Identifierhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12034/4109
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Persistent Identifierhttps://doi.org/10.23668/psycharchives.4623
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Language of contentengen_US
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PublisherPsychArchivesen_US
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Is version ofhttps://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.3669en
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Is version ofhttps://doi.org/10.23668/psycharchives.5951
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Is related tohttps://doi.org/10.23668/psycharchives.5951
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Keyword(s)bullyingen_US
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Keyword(s)studentsen_US
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Keyword(s)higher educationen_US
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Keyword(s)thematic analysisen_US
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Keyword(s)focus groupsen_US
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Keyword(s)qualitativeen_US
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Dewey Decimal Classification number(s)150
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TitleA Thematic Analysis of Students’ Perceptions and Experiences of Bullying in UK Higher Educationen_US
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DRO typearticleen_US
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Journal titleEurope's Journal of Psychologyen
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Visible tag(s)PsychOpen GOLDen_US
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Visible tag(s)Accepted Manuscripten_US