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Erhardt, G, Kay, E, Kougiali, Z 
ORCID: 0000-0001-8840-5579 and Loulopoulou, AI
(2026)
An Exploration of the Meaning‐Making Process of Adults Who Were Relationally Bullied in Adolescence: A Narrative Analysis.
MultiPsych, 1 (3).
ISSN 3069-9711
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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.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 48 Law and Legal Studies; 4806 Private Law and Civil Obligations; Mental health |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology |
| Divisions: | Psychology (from Sep 2019) |
| Publisher: | Wiley |
| Date of acceptance: | 29 June 2026 |
| Date of first compliant Open Access: | 16 September 2026 |
| Date Deposited: | 16 Sep 2026 10:13 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Sep 2026 10:13 |
| DOI or ID number: | 10.1002/mps2.70013 |
| URI: | https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29449 |
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