Family variables and bullying among brazilian adolescents: A mixed study

Bullying is a frequent public health problem in developing countries. This is the first mixed study that investigates the interaction between the quality of family interactions and bullying among Brazilian students. 2,354 adolescents participated in the study. Two scales and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Statistical analyses and content analysis using Atlas.TI software were developed. The Bioecological Theory of Development was adopted as the theoretical-methodological framework. The students not involved in bullying situations presented better family interactions. Negative communication, negative marital interaction, and corporal punishment emerged as critical factors for the involvement in bullying situations. Rules, parental supervision and positive family aspects are protective factors. The family is responsible for the process of moral development and providing essential support to victims. The debate should be broadened in the health field in order to organize anti-bullying interventions focusing on a family approach. KEY WORDS: school health, bullying, risk behaviors, family climate.