Bullies are controlling, hot tempered and lack empathy for others. Victims lack social skills, blame themselves for their problems and are afraid to go to school. These traits are among the most common indicators of bullying and victim behaviors in children, according to a new study at Ohio University.

Researchers have developed a list of 19 characteristics common to bullies and 21 characteristics common to victims. The list could be used by parents, teachers and child therapists to identify which children may become bullies or victims before problems become serious, says Richard Hazler, lead author of the study and professor of counselor education.

A group of international experts reviewed a list of 70 characteristics associated with bullies and victims. Upon examination of the list, there was a consensus on 19 characteristics for bullies and 21 for victims. This marks the first reporting of a definitive list of behavioral traits for bullies and victims that meets with expert agreement.

The study suggests that bullies tend to have more family problems than other children, likely suffer from physical or emotional abuse, and are subject to inconsistent discipline at home. Victims tend to have parents who are overly involved in their activities and feel they have no control over their environment.

The list of characteristics could be a first step in developing an assessment tool to evaluate the potential of children to become bullies or victims, Hazler says. And, although the list addresses traits seen in young people, Hazler adds that many of these traits also are evident in adult aggressors and victims.

"Many of these characteristics are the same as those of a spouse abuser and an abused spouse," he says, which suggests that children who do not receive treatment for bully or victim behavior continue to have those negative behaviors as adults.

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