The neuropsychology of school victimization: Research findings concerning effects of victimization experience of brain development

Abstract

The main forms that victimization in school can take concern physical attacks, verbal violence and psychological - emotional abuse. These behaviors are directed on a regular basis by the most powerful children to the powerless and are based on intention to cause physical and mental pain to the victim.

This study examines the adverse consequences of school victimization and the role that victimization experience plays in brain development, as well as issues that concern the neuropsychological research regarding school victimization. Taking into account that the development of the brain depends to a great degree on experience, ways of utilizing the neuropsy­chological research regarding school victimization are examined and direc­tive lines of intervention are suggested with the purpose of tackling the adverse consequences of victimization experience on cognitive abilities as well as the children’s whole functioning.