The transition from physical sibling abuse to bullying perpetration through trait anger: A longitudinal study

Abstract

ObjectivesExperiencing physical sibling abuse is a form of family violence that is common but understudied. While it is often perceived as a normative aspect of sibling relationships, there are apparent behavioral consequences. The current study aims to advance the literature by utilizing the displaced aggression model and I3 theory to longitudinally examine trait anger as a pathway linking physical sibling abuse to bullying perpetration.MethodsUsing data from the Bullying, Sexual, and Dating Violence Trajectories from Early to Late Adolescence in the Midwestern United States, 2008–2013, adolescents (n = 851, M = 14.8 years) completed questionnaires at baseline and were reassessed 6 months later.ResultsResults suggested that when adolescents experience physical sibling abuse, they are more likely to engage in bullying perpetration. Mediation analyses indicated that as adolescents were physically abused by a sibling at home, they were more likely to report higher levels of trait anger, which subsequently increased their risk of engaging in bullying perpetration.ConclusionThese results suggest that experiencing physical sibling abuse has long‐term detrimental consequences, including elicitation of trait anger, subsequently predicting bullying perpetration.