Effectual Bullies
Bullying encompasses a range of behaviors exhibited with varying
degrees of success. Some bullies engage in few conflicts, yet are highly
aggressive during conflict situations and tend to resolve the conflict on
their terms. While in conflict, these bullies, called “effectual bullies,”
swiftly deal with their conflict partners. Usually these bullies deal unemotionally
with their victims and very quickly move on following the conflict.
Effectual bullies are more likely to initiate and actively play a role in the bullying episode. They usually encounter little resistance from their
victims. Bullies tend to be somewhat unpopular but, unlike victims, may
be popular with a particular group of children (Olweus, 1997).
This type of bully is the most common form and is the one most people
think of when asked to describe bullying behavior.