Why we became targets: Bullying victimization attributions across collectivist and individualist contexts
Issued Date
2026-07-01
Resource Type
ISSN
01471767
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105032210871
Journal Title
International Journal of Intercultural Relations
Volume
113
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
International Journal of Intercultural Relations Vol.113 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Grothaus C. Why we became targets: Bullying victimization attributions across collectivist and individualist contexts. International Journal of Intercultural Relations Vol.113 (2026). doi:10.1016/j.ijintrel.2026.102397 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/115694
Title
Why we became targets: Bullying victimization attributions across collectivist and individualist contexts
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Abstract
Although bullying is a global issue, its cultural dimensions remain underexplored. This qualitative study examines how cultural values may shape students’ attributions for bullying victimization by comparing Thai students from a primarily collectivist society with U.S. students from a primarily individualist society. Through 24 semi-structured interviews and 50 autobiographical essays, thematic analysis revealed distinct attribution patterns shaped by cultural context. Thai students predominantly made internal attributions, with beauty standards (skin color, weight) central to their experiences. They internalized blame and accepted appearance-based name-calling from teachers, parents, and peers as legitimate criticism. U.S. students made external attributions, identifying systemic inequities (race, sexual orientation, socio-economic status) as causes. Media also played different roles: Thai “boy love” dramas fostered LGBTQIA+ acceptance, whereas U.S. students perceived American media as reinforcing stereotypes. Thailand’s homogenous school settings contributed to bullying of differently-abled students, whereas U.S. students experienced subtle exclusion linked to race and disability.