Theory of mind

• Crick and dodge


  bullies act tough because they are actually scared deep down.

  Bullies lack the ability to connect with people so their aggressive behaviour covers up their problems in social situations
• Recently people think bullies actually have a higher theory of mind compared to other individuals,making them more socially skilled and have a better understanding
• Everyone has their own way of thinking,understanding this helps us to know what going on in someone elses mind so we can predict how they may act.This is called TOM
• To understand what is going on in someone else mind we have to mind read,we cant do this directly,instead we guess what others are thinking based on their actions and behaviour
• Sutton et al


  bullies have better abilities to understand other peoples thoughts and feelings 'TOM abilities'
• Bullies are skilled to bully others
• Bullying is all about repeatedly targeting individuals who have less power,bullies can be seen as experts at finding potential victims
• Having a strong TOM gives them the ability to find a victims weakness
• Bullies acts like ringleaders,they organise other people.Like trusted assistants doing their dirty work.Bullying often happens in groups,being a ringleader of the group involves having a strong TOM.They are good at manipulating others to what they do
• Bullies use strategic manipulation,bullies know how to be sneaky and use various bullying tactics depending on the situation and they person they are targeting
• Sometimes bullies will use direct ways to control others,physical aggression.They can be more subtle and use relational forms of bullying,gossiping.
• Being able to switch from direct and indirect tactics shows their strong understanding of how others think and how to manipulate those perceptions
• Sutton et al


  looked at a group of children aged 7-10 and used a test called strange story.In this test the children had to figure out what the characters were thinking and feeling.

  They found the bullies who acted like ringleaders didnt show any problem with understanding others
• Understanding others thoughts may be related to machiavellianism. They manipulate people and are more focused on their own gain
• Lyons et al


  high levels of machiacellianism were linked with a weak TOM,suggests bullies arent manipulative
• Bullies may actually have a weak TOM,it prevents them feeling guilt oe empathy