Developing and Integrating Theory on School Bullying

Given the number of factors involved in bullying, the range ofexplanatory theory upon which one might draw is vast. Not only might one consider factors within the family, the individual, the peer group, the school and the community, but each of these could be considered from a number of different perspectives. This paper explores the issues for both the individual practitioner/researcher and for the field as a whole in developing and integrating theory in relation to school bullying. Interviews with 11 psychologists expert in the field of school bullying discussed their opinions about the current public body of knowledge and their personal approach to developing a personal understanding of bullying. The findings are organised within a problem solving framework.