Modern Wisdom #902 - Dr Tracy Vaillancourt - The Science Of Childhood Bullying & Adult Mental Health
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Feb 13, 2025 
Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt, a professor at the University of Ottawa, dives into the intricacies of childhood bullying and its lasting mental health effects. She discusses why people bully and the various types of bullies, alongside the characteristics of victims. The conversation highlights the significant role of social dynamics and gender differences in bullying behavior, especially during school years. Dr. Vaillancourt also emphasizes the need for effective interventions and systemic changes to combat bullying, advocating for a compassionate understanding of its impact into adulthood.
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The Bully Profile
- Bullies are often successful individuals due to a blend of prosocial and antisocial traits.
- They possess assets like good looks or athleticism, which grant them power, and they strategically use aggression to maintain it.
The Corrupting Influence of Power
- Power corrupts individuals, leading them towards cruelty rather than kindness. Benevolent leaders are rare; explicit power, gained through coercion, is more common.
The Power of Dirty Fighters
- "Dirty fighters" exploit others' anxiety, the root of human restraint. Their extreme aggression, driven by high psychopathic traits, gives them power through fear.