The 6 types of bullies and their motivations

We review the different forms that bullying, a widespread scourge, can take.

Social relationships are complicated, and that is why it is very easy for things to go wrong sometimes. But this does not only happen with those people with whom we relate voluntarily. Sometimes, problems arise with those who impose their presence and certain interaction patterns on us.

In this article we will talk precisely about the different types of bulliesand the different ways in which their presence affects us negatively.

What is bullying?

The harassment is not only an existing problem between two persons: it is part of a social problemIt is a more widespread activity than it may seem. In fact, there are indications that approximately 14% of women and around 6% of men have suffered or will suffer harassment at some point in their lives.

On the other hand, the fact that more and more people are in contact with new technologies linked to the Internet means that, more than likely, as the years go by, bullying on the Internet will become more and more widespread, especially at school age.

Although there is no fully agreed definition, bullies are roughly considered to be people who regularly and systematically engage in behavior that is focused on intimidating, harming, or following and intruding into a person's life in a way that is in a way that is beyond the person's control. In most cases, there are no physical attacks, but the harassment is based on a disturbing presence, either in a real environment or remotely, through the Internet or other technological means.

However, within this repertoire of the category of what constitutes harassment, there is room for a wide repertoire of unwanted behaviors. a broad repertoire of unwanted behavior.. Leaving offensive messages painted on the facade of the home is not the same as stalking down the street taking photos of the victim, for example. Depending on these nuances, the physical or psychological impact caused by this attitude may differ greatly, as well as the treatment that the judiciary will give to the matter in case of going to a judge or the police.

On the other hand, it also happens that depending on the psychological profile of the person who interrupts the victim's well-being, the former will be more inclined to perform certain actions than others. Those who bully tend to do so in a consistent manner, following certain regularities. It is these patterns of behavior that can be used to differentiate between types of bullies, as we will see below.

The different types of bullies

One thing is clear: in order to know how to deal with a bully, we must first know what type of bully we are dealing with. From this, it is possible to behave accordingly, taking into account their motivations, and to take action.

According to Dr. Ronald M. Holmes, professor emeritus of Criminologywe can differentiate between 6 types of stalkers with their own characteristics and strategies to be present in the victim's life. They are the following.

1. Political stalker

The political stalker influences the victim's life in a detrimental manner because of their political convictions. This means that he may agree or disagree with the person being harassed, or he may be important or anonymous, but the attacker places a value on this person because of the significance he has from the point of view of how society and resources should be organized.

For example, the political harasser may follow a parliamentarian home every day to intimidate him, or he may constantly try to contact a journalist in order to talk to him at length, because he believes they share opinions.

2. Celebrity stalker

This is one of the best known types of stalker, since it is the spitting image of the fan phenomenon taken to the extreme. These are people who are obsessed with their idols.They are people who are obsessed with their idols, references who have become famous, usually at national or international level, and who try to be in contact with them at all costs. Their behavior is often unpredictable and highly influenced by emotions.

3. For amorous humiliation

This category is made up of stalkers who feel frustrated or humiliated because, after having made moves to arouse a person's romantic interest, they feel rejectedThey are then made the target of their harassment.

Cases of erotomaniaa mental disorder in which the person believes that another person is in love with him but does not show it, can be understood as a subtype of this kind of stalkers.

4. Lustful

This type of stalkers is characterized by to be motivated by the lust and the sexual excitement.. Although at first it is very typical that they limit themselves to following the victims, they often end up going further, directly assaulting or even raping them.

5. Domestic stalker

In this case, the stalker harasses in a relatively private environment, usually a partner or lover. These stalkers can be considered to engage in domestic violence, either through clear attacks on the dignity of the person or through physical assault.

6. Professional

In this case, the harassment is a consequence of a business arrangement with a third party, who pays to subdue the victim.