Bullying, spirituality, anxiety and depression

Abstract

A recently developed Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT)-based process has been used to understand and explore the nature of spirituality and spiritual experience and its healing characteristics. Experiences of self-worth and dignity (both are operationalized) as the core of spirituality are directly injured by bullying with resultant depression and anxiety. Bullying experiences with progression to actively bullying are devastating to our spiritual core and undermine fundamental faith in self, others and life. This level of injury is often not recognized by many bullying programs. This preliminary communication is presented for researchers in these areas to consider how this process may be used for further research and prevention and intervention efforts.