Neural Basis of Social Cognition in Chronic-Victims of Bullying

Victims of bullying have been found to have higher levels of mental health
problems (Arseneault, Bowes, & Shakoor, 2010; Moore et al., 2017). On average,
bullying interventions are effective in decreasing the amount of bullying and
victimization in schools, particularly in elementary schools (Gaffney, Ttofi, &
Farrington, 2018). Although interventions are effective in decreasing
victimization, some victims (± 4%) remain victimized (Kaufman, Kretschmer,
Huitsing, & Veenstra, 2018). These chronic victims in intervention schools
experience more mental health symptoms (e.g., depressive and social anxiety
symptoms) compared to chronic victims in control schools (Garandeau, Lee, &
Salmivalli, 2018; Kaufman et al., 2018). In other words, victims are generally
worse off, but victims who remain victimized in schools with anti-bullying
interventions are even worse off (which is now called the healthy context
paradox). Therefore, it is crucial to understand chronic victimization
processes better, to be able to improve interventions. School-wide intervention
programs typically address group-processes, but focus less on the social
cognitions of individuals, whereas victims have been found to have a more
negative social-cognitive style (Crawford & Manassis, 2011; Fox & Boulton,
2005; Kellij, Lodder, van den Bedem, Güro*lu, & Veenstra, n.d.). However, the
neural processes underlying social cognition in chronic victims remains
unclear. The aim of this project is thus to examine the behavioral responses in
social-cognitive tasks and the associated neural processes in chronic victims
of bullying. Generated knowledge of this project may help to improve
interventions by finding new angles to tackle victimization of bullying and to
increase resilience in chronic victims against developing internalizing
problems over time.

The overall aim of the project is to better understand processes of chronic
victimization through neurobiology and behavior. To this end, the first and
main goal is to investigate the underlying neurobiology of chronic
victimization in late childhood, including whether chronic victimization is
associated with neural sensitivity to social experiences. The second goal is to
examine behavioral social-cognitive patterns in chronic victims and to examine
to what extent chronic victims differ from previous and non-victims.

This is a cross-sectional study that combines neural responses with behavioral
assessments. Participants will perform computerized tasks related to social
cognition, and neural activity will be measured using functional magnetic
resonance imaging (fMRI). We will use structural MRI to measure underlying
anatomical processes. Additionally, a battery of tasks will be administered
outside of the scanner to assess social and cognitive functioning. Also the
parents will be asked to fill in some questionnaires. All of these are
non-invasive measures.

No known risks are associated with the participation in the proposed
measurements. MRI scanning is a non-invasive technique without catheterizations
or introduction of exogenous traces. Many children and adults have undergone
MRI studies without any apparent harmful consequences, as long as the absolute
contra-indications are adhered. Absolute contra-indications include the
presence of intra-cranial or intraocular metal or a pacemaker. A relative
contra-indication is claustrophobia. Some people experience claustrophobia
while inside the scanner, if this happens during the study it will be
terminated immediately at the subject*s request. Although the participants do
not receive direct benefits from participation, there are greater benefits for
society from the knowledge that could be gained from the proposed research.
This knowledge is needed to better understand chronic victimization and be able
to improve anti-bullying interventions to better aid chronic victims.