Unveiling the Bully’s Lens: A Qualitative Inquiry into Parent-Child Dynamics among Iranian Male Elementary School Aggressors

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of elementary school boys involved in bullying, focusing on how they perceive parent-child relational dynamics and the emotional experiences associated with these dynamics.Methods This study employed a qualitative interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach. Using purposive sampling, 24 male students in the second cycle of elementary education (grades four through six) from schools in Varamin, Iran, during the 2023–2024 academic year were selected and underwent in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Smith’s six-stage phenomenological method.Results Data analysis led to the extraction of 205 initial codes, 77 primary concepts, 13 sub-themes, and two main themes: “negative self-image” and “negative perception of parents.” The negative self-image theme included sub-themes of worthlessness, fear and insecurity, fear of victimization, inferiority, moral indifference, inner conflict, guilt, and need for unconditional acceptance. The negative perception of parents theme encompassed inattention to behavioral causes, disregard for emotional needs, unrealistic expectations, controlling behaviors, and ineffectiveness. Comparative analysis revealed that fathers were perceived with fear and dominance, while mothers were perceived with emotional neglect.Conclusion Negative parent-child dynamics play a significant role in the development of bullying behaviors in children. Preventive and therapeutic interventions should focus on improving the quality of emotional relationships within the family and enhancing parents’ communication skills.