Teasing: A Real Problem and Solutions

By Dr. Collie Conoley

Can’t you take a joke? I was only
teasing! Teasing is part of everyone’s life. Each
of us has a significant uncomfortable memory about teasing. Even
though teasing is considered a type of bullying, teasing can range
from an enjoyable to a hurtful interaction. Psychologists define
teasing as an ambiguous message containing both humor and
hostility. The ambiguity makes an appropriate response difficult:
Was I just insulted? Or, am I too sensitive? The target of teasing
often feels vulnerable.

Parents and teachers underestimate the pain teasing inflicts.
Children rate teasing as the number one fear about entering high
school. Retrospective studies link chronic teasing with many
emotional problems including eating disorders, poor self-esteem,
body image disturbance, and depression. Research indicates that
teasing is worthy of adult attention!