Students who are targets of bullying behavior often become what, especially if they believe the bullying will continue indefinitely?

When students are targeted by bullying behavior and perceive that the bullying will persist without any change, it can lead to feelings of depression. This reaction stems from the emotional toll that ongoing harassment can take on an individual's mental health. The consistent experience of fear, isolation, and victimization may cause these students to feel hopeless or helpless, contributing to a downward spiral into depressive states.

Depression can manifest through symptoms such as sadness, withdrawal from social activities, reduced motivation, feelings of worthlessness, and a lack of interest in things that once brought joy. The prolonged exposure to bullying can diminish a student's self-esteem and can create a sense of despair regarding their situation, especially if they feel there is no way out or no one to turn to for help.

While other responses like anger, rebellion, or indifference might also occur in some individuals facing bullying, these are often reactions to specific situations or triggers rather than the enduring emotional response that depression embodies when the bullying seems unending.