Saturday, October 10, 2020
Sunday, August 2, 2020
The Peaceful Protester's Dilemma
There are similarities and
differences between peaceful protesters and angry mobs or rioters. A peaceful
protester and an angry riotous mob are similar in that they are symbolic of a
system problem of unheard and unaddressed needs. However, the two groups are
different in that intentional harm is the motive for riotous mobs, and peaceful
protesters march without harming others to be heard. When the two groups merge,
a new system problem emerges to form a triad consisting of bullies, victims,
and bystanders. In this group, bullies lead the aggressive acts, victims feel
punished, and bystanders are held responsible for the bullies' coercive power.
Unfortunately, no one hears either group, and unmet needs continue. While
rioting and protesting produce results, the question becomes, is it the most efficient use of talent to achieve change that results in being heard and unmet needs addressed? -Dr. Stewart
The Peaceful Protester's Dilemma
The Peaceful Protester's Dilemma
Sunday, April 5, 2020
COVID-19 and the Bully Hybrid
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| Debra Stewart PsyD |
The Bully Hybrid during stressful events is a bully that becomes more manipulative and cunning than ever before. Resources are scarce; rewards are few; audiences become scarce, and victims are too diminished in the will to fight back. The bully's unmet needs increase, and relational bullying rises as does the formation of frenemy teams. In times of quarantine, the bully preys on already stressed targets for money, food, and other necessities of life and will find other bully-types to validate their behavior.
Bystanders are essential in these situations, and they may come in the form of neighbors, clergy, coworkers, friends, or family members. There are always bystanders in bullying events or the aftermath of the victimization, and now, more than ever, bystanders are needed for surveillance to call or FaceTime with the home-bound and marginalized and report mental health abuse to the proper authorities.
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Social Distancing and the Bully
Social distancing is a unique situation that might reduce bully-type behaviors from individuals who may prey on the marginalized. Without an audience or the rewards found in social groups, the bully may seek other ways to satisfy their unhealthy unmet needs and drives. However, there are bully personalities who thrive on microaggression and covert methods to maintain an imbalance of power when separated from their target. When individuals are advised to practice social distancing, the bystander becomes essential as they can be the protective shield from bully-type behaviors by using the approved distance communication methods to stay in touch with those who are quarantined or practicing social distancing. The bystander might be a neighbor, family member, coworker, or other agency helpers who can listen, advise, and report the abuse of the marginalized in isolation.
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Hoarding and Bullying during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The hoarding behaviors that are
occurring over the fear of the COVID-19 pandemic may not be a form of bullying.
If a person already has bully-type responses, then hoarding behaviors may be an
extension of their personality and embedded personality disorders. However,
hoarding during times of extreme stress and fear is a normal human response
because humans have individual comfort and survival needs. If these needs
remain unmet for some time, the flight or fight response is activated and
induces panic and unhealthy responses. Hoarding is a type of
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and hoarding as a fear response to the COVID-19 crisis falls into this
category because of the anxiety associated with a critical event, and the mental
distress of the unknown and the future course of the pandemic. Hoarding is a
form of self-medication because it is the individual's way of coping with the
stress of the pandemic.
Because there are adverse outcomes
concerning hoarding in this situation, such as guilt, untreated anxiety
disorder, increased fears, the increasing concern of unmet needs, and the lack that it may create for others, treatment
is essential. It is necessary to realize and identify the psychological reasons
behind unhealthy drives and motives so that rational decision-making and healthier
responses to the COVID-19 pandemic may result.
Humans need to gather the necessary supplies in a sensible way to
survive any crisis; however, it is also critical to foster humankind's survival
and the greater good.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Finding a Hero Within the Bully Triad
Within the bully triad, there
are abundant opportunities for positive change; however, it will not happen
without an educational intervention. The bully, the victim, and the bystander
have one of the most unhealthy social connection known to man. Interdependent
until there is a forced interruption in the cycle, the bully triad will repeat
the unhealthy alliance until members step out of the dynamic to become heroes. Dr.
Zimbardo is known for his work on the psychology of evil, has recently turned
his research focus on how people can turn daily challenges into opportunities
for everyday heroism. For some, the heroism will be those who teach about the
difference between good and evil; for others, it will be the policy change
agents, some will be the protectors of values, and others will stand with the
marginalized.
Friday, December 27, 2019
Bullying and Moral Injury
The bully triad consists of the bully, the bystander, and the victim. When bullying occurs, the toxic relationship between members creates moral injury. Moral injury occurs in individuals and groups when forced participation of events occurs either through active or passive means, where the violation of member values and beliefs or spirituality are disrespected and reduces the meaning and significance of life. Moral injury for the bully triad members creates feelings of emotional guilt and shame, betrayal, and cognitive dissonance. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, bullying, and victims of war, abuse, rape, and trauma all have a causal link to moral injury, which makes treatment and recovery difficult.
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