This study aimed to know and map the scientific evidence that relationships between family background and involvement in bullying situations at school through a systematic literature review. Lilacs, Web of Science were the databases that were consulted, in addition to the Scielo library. The search resulted in 54 articles published in Portuguese, English and Spanish, between 2008 and 2013, and data analysis allowed the identification of seven analytical categories: 1) structural characteristics; 2) parental practices; 3) parental styles; 4) family environment; 5) the parents feelings about their children; 6) the parents mental health; and 7) violence. The study found a predominance of international publications and quantitative studies and on the set, we found that some familiar features and aspects were associated to the involvement of students in situations of bullying. The study expands the interpretive look at the phenomenon and their complexities with a contextual approach, suggesting pathways for further research.
violence; family relations; vulnerability; health promotion
