Carney and Hazler

Carney and Hazler

Carney and Hazler (2007)

Cortisol levels and bullying

Aim:

To investigate changes in cortisol levels in relation to bullying.

Procedure:

The researchers took saliva tests from 94 sixth-grade students between the ages of 9 and 14. Students also filled out questionnaires on their experience of being bullied or watching somebody being bullied (being a bystander). Cortisol levels were tested in the morning and before lunchtime (a period associated with bullying).

Results:

Anticipation of bullying was associated with high levels of stress and anxiety in both victims and bystanders. Long-term exposure to bullying was related to lower levels of cortisol (hypocortisol). This condition is associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Evaluation:

The researchers argue that cortisol levels increase when a person experiences a short-term exposure to bullying. This affects learning and memory. Long-term bullying and low levels of cortisol may have more enduring negative consequences on physical, social, and psychological health.