Family Variables Related to Bullyingand Cyberbullying: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective.
To review studies that have analyzed the relationship of bullying and cyberbullying with the family
context.
Method.
PRISMA protocol for systematic reviews was used in all documents registered in the main
psychology databases featuring the keywords bullying/cyberbullying and family/parents, between 2004 and
2017. Seventy-four articles met the inclusion criteria.
Results.
The review revealed the following familiar
variables associated with each role. Victims of bullying: authoritarian, punitive, negligent, or permissive parents;
dysfunctional homes, low family harmony, conflicts, poor parent-child communication; criticism, low parental
support/attention, or overprotection. Cyber-victims: authoritarian or negligent parents; family conflicts, low
parental support, distant parents, negative emotional bonding with parents. Bullies: authoritarian, punitive or
permissive parents; dysfunctional homes, parental conflicts, domestic violence; rejection, criticism, and little
parental affection. Cyberbullies: authoritarian, negligent or permissive parents, and family conflicts. Protective
factors: democratic, balanced parents; no domestic conflicts, family cohesion, quality interactions, easy parent-
child communication, parents support and care for their children, close-knit relationships, and foster secure
attachment.
Conclusion.
Some family variables may be relevant, although the probability of becoming a victim
or aggressor of bullying and cyberbullying may be influenced by other factors.