What characteristic is most associated with a student identified as a bully?

The primary characteristic associated with a student identified as a bully is the enjoyment they derive from the rewards of aggressive acts. This behavior can manifest in various ways, including the enjoyment of power, the thrill of dominating others, or gaining social status among peers. Bullies often engage in aggressive behavior because it provides them with a sense of control and superiority over their victims.

While struggling with empathy can contribute to bullying behavior, it is not the defining characteristic nor does it capture the motivation behind such actions as effectively as the idea of enjoying the rewards. Similarly, being bullied themselves may influence some students’ behaviors, but it does not specifically characterize the typical bully, whose actions are often driven by a desire for social dominance rather than a response to their own victimization. Seeking attention through academic achievement, on the other hand, does not align with the traits commonly associated with bullying, as it reflects a different form of motivation entirely.