Although there is general agreement in the research with the present
accounting of the incidence of school bullying, and of the long-term
consequences to self-esteem and mental health, little is known about
what initiates and maintains bullying. A review of the literature
reveals that school bullying is usually attributed to maladapted
individuals, and is associated with aggression, primitive levels of
moral behaviour, and the instrumental use and misuse of power. Past
personal history, attachment experiences and the influence of cultural
models may be included as contributing factors for aggression, but none
of these factors tells the whole story. There is a rich history of
research and philosophy concerning aggression, but still little
understanding.