Targets of bullying often become _______ especially if they believe the bullying will continue indefinitely.

Prepare for the Vector Trainings Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Be exam-ready!

Chronic bullying acts as a persistent threat that wears down mood and motivation. When someone believes the bullying will continue indefinitely, they may feel trapped and powerless, leading to depressive feelings and withdrawal. This depression often shows as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, sleep or appetite changes, and trouble concentrating. A key idea here is learned helplessness: with ongoing abuse and a sense of no-control, the person stops trying to cope, which deepens depressive symptoms. The other options don’t fit because optimism would require hope for improvement, popularity would imply social advantage, and indifference would miss the emotional distress and functional impact that depression brings.