Why we became targets: Bullying victimization attributions across collectivist and individualist contexts

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.