Why Do People Bully? It’s Not Always What You Think.
Bullying is often misunderstood as a one-dimensional issue rooted in power or cruelty—but the reality is far more complex. Many people who engage in bullying behaviors are acting out of their own unresolved pain, insecurity, or unmet needs.
In this video, we explore 7 of the most common reasons why people bully, backed by psychological research and real-world examples:
- Insecurity or low self-esteem
- Need for control or power
- Desire to fit in or gain social approval
- Learned behavior from family or environment
- Unprocessed trauma or abuse
- Jealousy and comparison
- Lack of empathy or emotional maturity
These patterns don’t excuse the behavior—but they do explain it. And understanding the “why” is the first step to disrupting the bullying cycle and building more compassionate communities.
If you’ve experienced bullying yourself, knowing the psychology behind it can help you detach from shame and begin to heal. You are not the problem. The behavior is.
🔗 Learn more about the Types of Bullying, Emotional Bullying, or Reactive Abuse and how they manifest in everyday life.