Background: Bullying during adolescence presents a significant social issue affecting all individuals involved, especially the victims. Insights into the behaviors of bystanders and upstanders and the factors influencing them can lead to more effective anti-bullying strategies. While previous research has primarily centered on perpetrators and victims, the role of witnesses—who can significantly influence the reduction of bullying in various environments, including schools—remains underexplored. Objective: This study aims to examine the lived experiences of adolescents who witness bullying. Method: A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological method was employed to meet the research objective. The study involved 12 male and female students from first and second high schools in Birjand during the 2023-2024 academic year. Participants were selected through purposive sampling (maximum variation) and based on the principles of saturation and sampling adequacy. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method. Results: Interview data analysis revealed six main themes, 15 sub-themes, and 31 semantic units. The main themes included power dynamics and social hierarchy (arrogance and control), vulnerability and social challenges (personal traits and interpersonal skills), emotional turmoil (empathy and compassion, moral injustice, personal responsibility), ambivalent reactions (passive responses, active intervention), avoidance and self-protection (lack of assertiveness, caution, indifference, and self-interest), and positive social impact (emotional intelligence, social competence, peaceful conflict resolution). Conclusion: The findings underscore the complexity and multidimensionality of the positive and negative behaviors of bullying witnesses, highlighting various influencing factors. The study’s results can inform the development of intervention and educational programs aimed at promoting positive behaviors among bullying witnesses and supporting victims.
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Samadieh, H. (2025). A Phenomenological Study of Bystanders’ and Upstanders’ Responses in Bullying Incidents. Qualitative Research in Behavioral Sciences (QRBS), 3(2), 143-158. doi: 10.22077/qrbs.2025.8642.1081
MLA
Samadieh, H. . "A Phenomenological Study of Bystanders’ and Upstanders’ Responses in Bullying Incidents", Qualitative Research in Behavioral Sciences (QRBS), 3, 2, 2025, 143-158. doi: 10.22077/qrbs.2025.8642.1081
HARVARD
Samadieh, H. (2025). 'A Phenomenological Study of Bystanders’ and Upstanders’ Responses in Bullying Incidents', Qualitative Research in Behavioral Sciences (QRBS), 3(2), pp. 143-158. doi: 10.22077/qrbs.2025.8642.1081
CHICAGO
H. Samadieh, "A Phenomenological Study of Bystanders’ and Upstanders’ Responses in Bullying Incidents," Qualitative Research in Behavioral Sciences (QRBS), 3 2 (2025): 143-158, doi: 10.22077/qrbs.2025.8642.1081
VANCOUVER
Samadieh, H. A Phenomenological Study of Bystanders’ and Upstanders’ Responses in Bullying Incidents. Qualitative Research in Behavioral Sciences (QRBS), 2025; 3(2): 143-158. doi: 10.22077/qrbs.2025.8642.1081
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