Homophobic Bullying in School Context in Portugal

Abstract

The present study intended to explore the phenomenon of homophobic bullying in Portugal, concerning its prevalence, consequences and ways of aggression. Through an online questionnaire, distributed to the local core network of the ex aequo association, and completed by 184 students, it was found that the school grounds is a main location for the occurrence of this phenomenon, just as the international studies revealed. The results indicate that psychological violence and victimization of boys are more prevalent; aggressive behaviors are devalued; the witnessed situations lack intervention; there are significant psychological consequences for the victims of homophobic bullying, compared to non­?victims. It is argued for the importance of developing awareness programs, creating protective measures for victims, and further investigation of this issue.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v26i1.260