An Exploration of the Meaning‐Making Process of Adults Who Were Relationally Bullied in Adolescence: A Narrative Analysis

ABSTRACT

Research suggests that relational bullying is the most common form of bullying victimisation in the United Kingdom. In addition, it is associated with the widest range of psychosocial difficulties in the short‐ and long‐term compared to other subtypes of bullying. Despite this, relational bullying has received less research attention than other forms of bullying. This research aims to present an in‐depth exploration of adults' meaning‐making processes associated with their experience of relational bullying victimisation in adolescence, contributing to the significant gap in the research. This research employed a qualitative research design, conducting life story interviews with eight participants. Data were analysed using narrative analysis. Three main superordinate themes were constructed from the data. These themes illuminate a complex nonlinear process of meaning‐making, highlight shifts between an agentic and powerless position and point to a lack of contextual narratives to support individuals to make sense of this experience. The findings suggest several key considerations for practitioners working with clients who have experienced relational bullying. These include recognising the potential importance of peer attachment histories, implications for the therapeutic approach and the necessity of addressing broader cultural contexts.