Bullying and neurobiology: A key for EMDR

Bullying is one of the most common violence forms, defined as a form of instrumental aggression that is proactive, and not a response to aggressive behavior demonstrated by a victim.  Three types of victimization have been described: physical bullying, verbal bullying, and relational bullying. New forms of bullying have emerged, one of the most prominent is cyberbullying, defined as repeatedly communicating aggressive messages through digital media intended to inflict harm or discomfort on others. Relatively recent research has linked bullying to the risk of substance, behavioral and new technologies addiction. As a complex phenomenon involving biological, psychological and social systems, understanding bullying requires an interdisciplinary approach. Therefore, focusing on its possible neurobiological markers may help the therapists to better understand the emotional experiences and behaviors of their patients and guide them to adequately identify the targets for EMDR intervention.

1) Technology addiction can be conceptualized as a strategy to manage posttraumatic symptoms. Dopamine activates the sympathetic nervous system and is an acute solution to avoid the experience of dorsal vagal states.

2) Being bullied may be experienced egosyntonically by the victims. The existence of early attachment traumas that promoted the inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system, in order to preserve attachment and social inclusion avoiding the fight, should be investigated.

3) Bullying can be conceptualized as a strategy to manage trauma-related symptoms, as well. Aggression intensely activates the sympathetic nervous system, and, when facing relationships, becomes an obligated strategy to reduce the probability to experience dorsal vagal states in bullies.

Conference

English

Cristina Mastronardi
Andrea Poli

Mastronardi, C., & Poli, A. (2019, June). Bullying and neurobiology. Presentation at the 20th EMDR Europe Association Conference, Krakow, Poland