Factors Influencing Bystander Behavior in School Bullying: A Systematic Literature Review
Abstract
Bystanders play a decisive role in either escalating or mitigating school bullying, yet the factors shaping their behavior remain fragmented. This study employed a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines to identify internal and external factors, as well as mediating and moderating mechanisms, influencing bystander behavior in school bullying. A total of 25 studies published between 2021 and 2026 across ten countries were included. The findings identified internal and external factors, along with mediating and moderating mechanisms, that together explain how individual and contextual factors shape bystander behavior. Defender self-efficacy showed the most consistent association with bystander behavior, whereas moral disengagement was the most frequently examined construct and the only mediator replicated across studies. Teacher context, although examined in only three studies, produced the largest effect size. These findings provide an evidence base for school counselors to develop interventions that strengthen students’ capacity to intervene, address moral disengagement, and foster supportive student teacher relationships and school environments.
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