Which emotional response is often seen in children experiencing bullying?

Children who experience bullying often exhibit fear and anxiety as their emotional response. This is a natural reaction to perceived threats, intimidation, and distress caused by being bullied. The experience of bullying can lead to a heightened sense of vulnerability, prompting children to feel unsafe, which in turn manifests as fear. Anxiety can also arise due to the uncertainty of when or where bullying might occur again, or concerns about how to respond and seek help.

In contrast, other emotional responses, such as joyfulness or curiosity, are less likely in this context, as these responses are not aligned with the distressing experience of being bullied. Disinterest might indicate emotional detachment or avoidance, but it does not capture the pervasive and immediate nature of fear and anxiety associated with bullying experiences. Therefore, the emotional responses of fear and anxiety are more accurately reflective of the psychological impact bullying has on children.