Attachment Style and Personality Traits as Correlates of Bullying among Teenagers in some Secondary School Settings in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship between attachment style and personality traits to understand how it can be implicated in the act of bullying among teenagers in some secondary schools within the Lagos metropolis of Nigeria. The research was an explanatory survey with a correlational research design. The sample comprised 288 adolescents (155 males and 133 females) using purposive and convenience sampling methods.  Participants responded to three scales combined in a questionnaire. These scales included the Adolescence Peer Relations Instrument which was used to measure bullying behaviour, a modified and adapted version of The Big five Personality Inventory (BFI)was used to assess personality traits, and an adapted version of The Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA)was used to assess attachment style.  The findings in the study showed that there was a significant relationship among attachment style, personality traits and bullying. Indeed, it was found that bullying is a prevalent issue among teenagers in Lagos State boarding schools. Results also showed that out of the Big Five personality traits, only conscientiousness and agreeableness were found to be significantly related to bullying (negatively). No significant relationship was found for the other three personality traits among the participants. Further significant differences were found between attachment style (secure and insecure) and bullying. Implications of the findings and future directions for research are discussed.