How to prepare Cross-National bullying studies: Conceptualization and operationalization differences

Bullying is a crucial social problem for youth in all countries and cultures, yet few cross-country studies of bullying have taken into account cultural differences in bullying, particularly how it is conceptualization and operationalized. We demonstrate how differences in conceptualization, operationalization and measurement lead to inconsistent findings that affect implications for prevention and intervention. This investigation may help to further cross-national bullying studies by providing clear recommendations that will help researchers to take account of culturally appropriate comparisons. To compare the same concept (i.e., bullying) across countries, it is beneficial to have a unified conceptualization and operationalization of bullying that also reflects cultural differences. In turn, this can guide the implementation of effective prevention and intervention programs that are culturally, developmentally, and gender appropriate.