Adults' Perspectives on Resiliency After the Trauma of Being Chronically Verbally Bullied in Adolescence.
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Authors
ADAMS, MARCIA
Issue Date
2026-03
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Bullying , Resiliency , Trauma
Alternative Title
Abstract
The problem addressed in this study was to investigate the challenges associated with chronic verbal bullying that individuals encountered during adolescence and how these experiences manifested in adulthood. The purpose of this qualitative, exploratory, multiple-case study was to investigate how adults who endured chronic verbal bullying during adolescence articulate their experiences of developing and sustaining resilience into adulthood. The primary aim was to examine the contextual factors within participants’ social environments that contributed to overcoming negative experiences and fostering resilience. Social cognitive theory guided this study highlighting how individuals learn by observing behaviors, self-efficacy, and environmental factors. Data were collected through semi-structured, open-ended interviews with 12 participants, who provided in-depth reflections on their experiences. Two central research questions guided the inquiry: RQ1: How do adults who experienced chronic verbal bullying during adolescence articulate their processes of developing and sustaining resilience in adulthood, particularly in relation to personal and social challenges? RQ1-a: How do these adults reflect on the strategies they have employed to cultivate resilience and navigate adversity across diverse life domains, including relationships, employment, and emotional well-being? This study aimed to contribute to the broader understanding of resilience-building after trauma, emphasizing the critical role of social context in shaping adaptive responses to adversity.