Understanding bullying among younger prisoners: recent research and introducing the Multifactor Model of Bullying in Secure Settings

Abstract

he current paper explores bullying among prisoners, with a focus on younger samples. It notes some key findings from the recent literature and how this can be applied to understand intra-group aggression. The paper will focus on what are felt to be key recent developments, highlighting how models of aggression can apply to prisoner samples; how juveniles are less likely to appear in victim groups than older adolescents and adults; the role played by the emotion of fear; and an increased role for attitudes. The paper will then present a revised version of a model used to explain the bullying that occurs in secure settings, one which emphasises in more detail a role for emotion and attitudes. The paper will introduce this revised model for the first time and conclude by noting the importance of developing such models to aid our understanding of prison bullying.