Book Reviews
Bullying in Adulthood: Assessing the Bullies and their Victims.
Peter Randall (2001)
Hove: Brunner-Routledge.
ISBN: 0 415 23693 2 (hardback)
ISBN: 0 415 23694 0 (paperback)
Knowing Peter Randall's international reputation for his published works on bullying provided a sense that this book could be a great success, or something of a disappointment. The blurb on the back cover of the book suggests that it will appeal to a wide range of professionals with interests in this field. Consequently, expectations were high.
'Bullying in Adulthood' focuses on the assessment of bullying. Structured into four parts, the book opens with a consideration of alternative definitions of bullying, leading into a proposed framework for assessment. The book's focus then shifts to the perpetrators of bullying and considers their historical, developmental, and personality characteristics. A similar consideration is then given to the victims of bullying. Finally, the clinical effects of bullying, and the consequences of assessments are discussed and illustrated.
From the outset this is an exceptional book, both in its style and in the strength of its arguments. Peter Randall successfully integrates a lucid and engaging style with a sense of sensitivity to the pain experienced within the bullying encounter. Concurrently, he draws on a substantial and varied body of research, within which his arguments are firmly grounded. The book also benefits from the frequent case studies, provided where technical description might fail to offer as clear an illustration.
Readers with an interest in the ontological issues surrounding bullying will be aware that Peter Randall demonstrates more of an interest in methodological matters. Despite showing a fleeting interest in social constructionism and the arguments of its proponents, there appears to be no substantial attempt to reconcile these arguments with the cognitive and behavioural models that have clearly informed many of his arguments. It must be conceded, however, that while there will be some who are disappointed that arguments were not explored further, this will not detract from the experience of those readers who are less interested in metaphysics.
Whilst the book is explicit in who its target audience is (i.e. "practitioners and researchers in clinical/counselling psychology, counsellors, managers/human resources staff and social workers"; quoted from the back cover), it must be stressed that references to statistical concepts, and the focus on research in general, will be a barrier to the non-academic reader. Additionally, however, it seems important to note that a somewhat wider audience than targeted might be enticed by this book. Those with a general understanding of research methods and psychology, and an interest in bullying, will find this book stimulating.
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