Closing the "empathy gap" regarding kids who were bullied could be key to effective treatment

A study from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University found that individuals often fail to understand the consequences of trauma felt by those who are bullied.

Researchers deem this "empathy gap" as a problem for victims of bullying, teasing and harassment because they are less likely to get the support, intervention or advocacy they need. They added that the social trauma experienced is often overlooked and is more likely to not be part of the treatment process.

The study found that people have difficulty appreciating the full severity of social trauma unless they experience the event first hand. Researchers said that by closing the "empathy gap," treatment could possibly be more effective.

Officials said that they hope to conduct further research aimed at improving public policy to correct distorted judgements of social pain. For instance, adjusting counseling for bullied students to help understand the severity of trauma from bullying and harassment could help treat victims.

Enrolling children who suffer emotional distress from bullying into boarding schools can help by providing individualized therapy and education for social and academic success.