What is the psychology behind bullying? (adult-bullying too)
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There are likely several different routes to bullying, from learned behaviour, fear, inferiority, competition, opportunism, boredom, malice etc.
In some cases the bully has been a victim of bullying themselves, and they might view it as “bully or get bullied”, so they bully others to avoid getting bullied. It might be the only way of socialising they understand.
When a bully sees someone more successful, smart etc, they feel unsuccessful or stupid. Rather than face the reality of their position they externalise and see their feelings as being caused by the other person. They feel hurt and act out against the person who made them feel that way.
Sex makes us do weird things, and people will behave in antisocial ways in attempts to impress others through displays of dominance.
People may need resources (money, food) and may find that bullying is a successful strategy for obtaining those resources.
And some people are jerks who just like being dicks to people for no especially good reason because they have personality disorders or other psychological problems.
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