What question did this study set out to answer?

Investigate the direct and moderating associations of affective empathy and perceived peer norms with the relationship between bullying victimization and defending behavior.

August 19, 2026Journal of School Violence

Bullying Victimization and Defending: Direct and Moderating Associations of Empathy and Perceived Peer Norms

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Authors

DHDylan S. HarrisonUniversity at Buffalo, State University of New York ASAnnika SimpsonFlorida State University LJLyndsay JenkinsFlorida State University

Discussion

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Implication

Cross-sectional study reveals bullying victimization fosters peer defending in empathetic adolescents, suggesting the value of empathy-focused school interventions.

Key Points

Investigate the direct and moderating associations of affective empathy and perceived peer norms with the relationship between bullying victimization and defending behavior.
Surveyed N = 788 high school students (mean age = 15.5 years, 80.2% White) across two suburban high schools in the Northeastern United States.
Administered the Bullying Participant Behaviors Questionnaire, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and the Perceived Peer Norms Toward Bullying and Sexual Harassment scale.
Bullying victimization was positively associated with defending behavior, with affective empathy significantly moderating this link such that defending was highest among victimized youth with high empathy.
Prosocial peer norms were directly associated with increased defending and decreased victimization, but did not moderate the victimization-defending relationship.

Cite This Study

Harrison et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a85633c03308d306e2d6426 https://doi.org/10.1080/15388220.2026.2716830

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Implication

Cross-sectional study reveals bullying victimization fosters peer defending in empathetic adolescents, suggesting the value of empathy-focused school interventions.

Bullying Victimization and Defending: Direct and Moderating Associations of Empathy and Perceived Peer Norms

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Bullying Victimization and Defending: Direct and Moderating Associations of Empathy and Perceived Peer Norms

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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