Research Proposal

Individual Research Program

Zahabiya Kachwala
1. Research Question

How does peer bullying and victimisation affect the mental health and self-esteem of
teenagers?

2. Research Methods

My study will take the form of a theoretical analysis paper in which I will analyze previous
works while also developing my own theory or point of view on the issue. I will spend the first
part of my study period undertaking in-depth research on this topic because I am unfamiliar
with the current beliefs on the effects of bullying on teens. I'll check for search terms in Google
Scholar, Pubmed, and Philpaper. While looking for keywords on Google Scholar, for example, I
will use quote marks. The phrases "mental health," "peer bullying," and so forth are significant.
After reading these research pieces, I will reflect on them all, classifying and grouping similar
opinions so that I may either criticize or support them. In the critique section, I will evaluate the
strengths and faults of this approach. Lastly, and most importantly, if it contains any smart
points, I will look at how it might be improved in the future. After reading these research, I'll
concentrate on the many effects bullying may have on teenagers. I don't want my initial
research to be too narrow.

3. Academic Context

Many studies are now underway to better understand the link between bullying victimisation
and perpetration, low self-esteem, and the psychological consequences for teenagers.
According to study, bullies usually target individuals with low self-esteem, lowering the
teenager’s own self-esteem as a result. Bullying can so continue endlessly.

Bullying a victim can take several forms, including verbal, physical, or cyber bullying. To be
more specific, there are two types of bullying. Bullying occurs both explicitly and implicitly.
Explicit bullying are activities that make it easy for authorities to intervene, such as physically
assaulting or humiliating the victim in public. Even when persons close to the victim may plainly
discern that they are being bullied, implicit bullying can be performed in such a way that
authorities find it difficult to act since there is no solid proof.

According to research, one of the reasons of peer bullying is the social hierarchy that occurs
among teenagers. Like to other hierarchies, this one is based on popularity among students
rather than merely riches. Teenagers typically believe that by bullying others, they might
advance socially and rise to the top of the hierarchy (even though this is not always the case).

According to research, numerous mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, not only low
self-esteem, are due to bullying. This is because bullying has a psychological impact on
teenagers, who typically lack the coping abilities to deal with it (seeing as how young they are).
This isolates the teenager and makes it more difficult for them to seek treatment. That also
gives the bully more reason to pick on the student.

There are some studies that explore how males and females are bullied differently. It covers
how guys often respond physically to things and how women are more likely to bully without
having to deal with the victim personally. Bullying individuals that are different from you, such
as those of different colours, skin tones, ethnicities, languages, cultures, and so on, has also
been studied. Some go so far as to investigate the motives for teenage bullying of others who
are not like them, as well as the long-term impact on the victim.

4. How Your Research Fits

Although various studies have been conducted on the causes and effects of victimisation on
teenagers, it appears that few of these studies have gone below the surface. I feel that my
research paper will shed light on both the underlying mechanics and the facts and numbers.
This is because I am a teenager and can thus explain how a teenager’s mind works. I can explain
the motives and explanations for bullies' behaviour, as well as the victims' reactions. I'll also be
able to discuss bystanders and the many anti-bullying techniques. Many studies are released by
people who are no longer teenagers and so lack the capacity to give insight into these issues,
but because I am, I believe my input will be beneficial. Whatever impact I might make, I can
surely offer a different perspective on how bullying and victimisation affects teenagers.

5. Timeline

Week no. Week Goal

Discuss areas of interest with mentor and then read prescribed readings to choose
1
a specific topic.
Read through prescribed readings to gain further understanding into the directions
2 of current research in the area of interest and then start to develop a research
question.
Submit the research question and continue completing reading and writing
3 assignments to develop the background of the paper. Start writing the research
proposal.
Submit the research proposal, work on assignments and start writing the outline of
4
the paper.
5 Finish the research paper outline and work on research paper draft.
6 Work on research paper draft.
7 Work on research paper draft.
8 Complete and submit the research paper draft.
9 Make edits to research paper and refine argument.
10 Continue editing and refining the paper.
11 Complete and submit final research paper.

6. Roadblocks and Concerns

There will definitely be some challenges while I do my research. My primary issue is that I am
undertaking research for the first time and at such a young age. In addition to having never
written anything like this before, I am inexperienced with the research process. As a result,
everything is new to me, from reading papers to forming my views to writing the final paper.
Another important concern I have is that I am not a specialist in the psychology of the mind. To
compensate for my lack of knowledge in this area, I must read widely. This time-consuming
reading approach can significantly slow down my writing and thought processes. Given that
Lumiere is a 6-month program, I suppose I must avoid being excessively perfect during the
process in order to complete the course. Nonetheless, this may prohibit me from creating a
superb report. In my perspective, establishing a balance between quality and speed is one of
the most important factors that may influence my ultimate work.