Research Article
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THE PREVALENCE, DETERMINANTS, AND SOME BEHAVIORAL OUTCOMES OF PEER BULLYING: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN TURKISH EARLY ADOLESCENCE

Year 2025, Volume: 10 Issue: 2, 149 - 162, 05.06.2025
https://doi.org/10.35232/estudamhsd.1585033

Abstract

Türkiye ranks high on the global scale of violence. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence, determinants, and behavioral consequences of peer bullying, a form of violence in early adolescence, in Türkiye. This study collected data from 868 individuals aged 11-14 from six schools representing different socioeconomic regions, selected through multistage stratified cluster sampling. The prevalence of bullying, victimization, and bully-victim status was measured using the Peer Bullying Scale – Self-Report Form (PBS-SRF). Their impact on various social behaviors, including participation in sports, cultural, and scientific activities, was also assessed. The prevalence rates were 15.8% for bullying, 15.3% for victimization, and 10.3% for bully-victims. Being a bully was significantly more common among males (OR;95%CI;p:2.04;1.02-4.10;0.04). The frequency of bullying was higher in private schools compared to public schools (OR;95%CI;p:2.70;1.15-6.35;0.020). Determinants for bully-victims included recent engagement in bullying (OR;95%CI;p:2.47;1.10-5.51;0.02), and belonging to an extended family (OR;95%CI;p:3.67;1.02-13.85;0.040). Key predictors of victimization included having a mother with a low education level (OR;95%CI;p:2.50;1.01-6.14;0.046). Bully-victims had significantly higher risks of experiencing behavirioal problems in sports participation (OR;95%CI;p:2.61;1.49-4.59;0.001), cultural (OR;95%CI;p:1.80;1.06-3.06;0.029), and engagement in scientific activities (OR;95%CI;p:1.90;1.10-3.28;0.022). These findings underscore the importance of targeted, community-based interventions focused on bullying prevention, particularly among the bully-victim group.

Ethical Statement

This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Research Ethical Approval for Trakya University Faculty of Medicine Non-Interventional Studies has been obtained from the Scientific Research Ethics Board on 23.10.2023 with the reference number TUTF-GOBAEK 2023/397.

Supporting Institution

None.

Thanks

None.

References

  • Sawyer SM, Azzopardi PS, Wickremarathne D, Patton GC. The age of adolescence. The lancet child & adolescent health. 2018;2(3):223-8.
  • Unicef. Investing in a safe, healthy and productive transition from childhood to adulthood is critical 2023. Available from: https://data.unicef.org/topic/adolescents/overview/
  • Dick B, Ferguson BJ. Health for the world’s adolescents: a second chance in the second decade. Journal of Adolescent Health. 2015;56(1):3-6.
  • WorldHealthOrganization. Adolescent and young adult health 2023 [updated 28.04.2023. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescents-health-risks-and-solutions
  • Ford R, King T, Priest N, Kavanagh A. Bullying and mental health and suicidal behaviour among 14- to 15-year-olds in a representative sample of Australian children. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. 2017;51(9):897-908.
  • Salmivalli C. Bullying and the peer group: A review. Aggression and violent behavior. 2010;15(2):112-20.
  • Smith PK. Bullying: Definition, types, causes, consequences and intervention. Social and Personality Psychology Compass. 2016;10(9):519-32.
  • World Health Organization. Global status report on preventing violence against children 2020 2020. Available from: https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/violence-prevention/global-status-report-on-violence-against-children-2020
  • Esteban ANP, Contreras CCT, Rodríguez SPO, Aldana MSCd, Bueno LMD, Silva BAdPNd. Bullying in adolescents: role, type of violence and determinants. Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP. 2020;54.
  • Gardella JH, Fisher BW, Teurbe-Tolon AR, Ketner B, Nation M. Students’ reasons for why they were targeted for in-school victimization and bullying. International journal of bullying prevention. 2020;2:114-28.
  • Bilgili N, Kocoğlu D, Akın B, editors. Peer Bullying Among High School Students and Related Factors. Yeni Symposium; 2016.
  • Tippett N, Wolke D. Socioeconomic status and bullying: A meta-analysis. American journal of public health. 2014;104(6):e48-e59.
  • Ghardallou M, Mtiraoui A, Ennamouchi D, Amara A, Gara A, Dardouri M, et al. Bullying victimization among adolescents: Prevalence, associated factors and correlation with mental health outcomes. PLoS one. 2024;19(3):e0299161.
  • Moore SE, Norman RE, Suetani S, Thomas HJ, Sly PD, Scott JG. Consequences of bullying victimization in childhood and adolescence: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World journal of psychiatry. 2017;7(1):60.
  • Top I, Ünal B. Peer bullying in adolescents and related factors. Turkish Journal of Public Health. 2024;22(1):23-34.
  • Wikipedia. Edirne 2023 [Available from: https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edirne.
  • Turkstat. Address-Based Population Registration System Results, 2022. Available from: https://data. tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=49685
  • Demircioğlu A, Akar C. Examination of Peer Bullying in Primary School Students in Terms of Various Variables. Türk Akademik Yayınlar Dergisi (TAY Journal). 2024;8(1):98-122.
  • Kutlu F, Aydın G. Preliminary Study of the Bully Scale Development: Self-Report Form. Türk Psikoloji Yazıları. 2010.
  • Şahin SS, Ayaz-Alkaya S. Prevalence and predisposing factors of peer bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents: A cross-sectional study. Children and Youth Services Review. 2023;155:107216.
  • Kilicaslan F, Beyazgul B, Kuzan R, Karadag D, Koruk F, Koruk I. The prevalence of peer bullying and psychiatric symptoms among high school students in southeast Turkey. Nordic journal of psychiatry. 2023;77(1):83-90.
  • MinistryofIndustryandTechnology. Research on the Socio-Economic Development Ranking of Districts - SEGE-2022 2022 [Available from: https://www. sanayi.gov.tr/assets/pdf/birimler/2022-ilce-sege.pdf
  • Hosozawa M, Bann D, Fink E, Elsden E, Baba S, Iso H, et al. Bullying victimisation in adolescence:prevalence and inequalities by gender, socioeconomic status and academic performance across 71 countries. EClinicalMedicine. 2021;41.
  • Chen L, Chen Y, Ran H, Che Y, Fang D, Li Q, et al. Social poverty indicators with school bullying victimization: evidence from the global school-based student health survey (GSHS). BMC public health. 2024;24(1):615.
  • Silva CS, Vilela¹ EM, de Oliveira¹ VC. Bullying in public and private schools: the. Educ Pesqui. 2024;50:e264614.
  • Silva CS, Vilela EM, Oliveira VCd. Bullying in public and private schools: the effects of gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Educação e Pesquisa. 2024;50:e264614.
  • Mokaya AG, Kikuvi GM, Mutai J, Khasakhala LI, Memiah P. Factors associated with bullying victimization among adolescents joining public secondary schools in Nairobi county Kenya: A cross-sectional study. African Journal of Health Sciences. 2022;35(6):672-85.
  • Iossi Silva MA, Pereira B, Mendonça D, Nunes B, Oliveira WAd. The involvement of girls and boys with bullying: an analysis of gender differences. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2013;10(12):6820-31.
  • Fujikawa S, Mundy LK, Canterford L, Moreno-Betancur M, Patton GC. Bullying across late childhood and early adolescence: A prospective cohort of students assessed annually from grades 3 to 8. Academic pediatrics. 2021;21(2):344-51.
  • Republic of Türkiye MoNE. Secondary School Awareness Program. 2024.
  • Karakuş Şahbaz Y. Ortaokul öğrencilerinde akran zorbalığı: Adana İli Yüreğir İlçesi pilot çalışma: Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü; 2019.
  • Ercan T, Özcebe L. Relations of self-esteem, obesity and peer bullying among middle school students in Turkey. European Journal of Public Health. 2020;30(Supplement_5):ckaa166. 936.
  • Halil K, Kaçar M. Akran zorbalığı ve toplumsal önemi: İki olgu sunumu. Anatolian Clinic. 2017;114.
  • Yang A, Salmivalli C. Different forms of bullying and victimization: Bully-victims versus bullies and victims. European Journal of Developmental Psychology. 2013;10(6):723-38.
  • Turkstat. Family in Statistics, 2022. Available from: https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Statistics-on-Family-2022-49683&dil=2#:~:text=The%20 proportion%20of%20one%2Dfamily%20 households%20decreased%20to%2064.5%25%20 in,2022%20from%2016.7%25%20in%202014
  • Ayan S. Aile içinde çocuğa yönelik şiddet (Sivas ilköğretim ikinci kademe öğrencileri üzerine bir inceleme). 2007.
  • Borualogo IS. The role of parenting style to the feeling of adequately heard and subjective well-being in perpetrators and bullying victims. Jurnal Psikologi. 2021;48(1):96-117.
  • Gini G. Associations between bullying behaviour, psychosomatic complaints, emotional and behavioural problems. Journal of paediatrics and child health. 2008;44(9):492-7.

AKRAN ZORBALIĞININ YAYGINLIĞI, BELİRLEYİCİLERİ VE BAZI DAVRANIŞSAL SONUÇLARI: TÜRK ERKEN ERGENLERİNDE KESİTSEL BİR ARAŞTIRMA

Year 2025, Volume: 10 Issue: 2, 149 - 162, 05.06.2025
https://doi.org/10.35232/estudamhsd.1585033

Abstract

Türkiye, küresel ölçekte yüksek şiddet oranlarına sahip ülkeler arasında yer almaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’deki erken ergenlik döneminde bir şiddet biçimi olan akran zorbalığının yaygınlığını, belirleyicilerini ve davranışsal sonuçlarını değerlendirmektir. Veriler, çok aşamalı tabakalı küme örneklemesiyle seçilen farklı sosyoekonomik bölgeleri temsil eden altı okuldan 11-14 yaş arası 868 bireyden toplanmıştır. Zorba, kurban ve zorba-kurban yaygınlığı Akran Zorbalığı Ölçeği – Öz Bildirim Formu (AZÖ-ÖBF) ile ölçülmüş; spor, kültürel ve bilimsel aktivitelere katılım gibi sosyal davranışlar üzerindeki etkileri değerlendirilmiştir. Zorba, kurban ve zorba-kurban prevalansı sırasıyla %15,8, %15,3 ve %10,3 olarak bulunmuştur. Zorbalık erkeklerde anlamlı olarak fazladır (OO;%95GA;p:2,04;1,02-4,10;0,040). Zorbalık sıklığı özel okullarda devlet okullarına göre daha yüksektir (OO;%95GA;p:2,70; 1,15-6,35;0,020). Zorba-kurban belirleyenleri arasında son zamanlarda zorbalık yapmış olma (OO;%95GA;p:2,47;1,10-5,51;0,02) ve geniş bir aileye mensup olma (OO;%95GA;p:3,67;1,02-13,85;0,040) yer almaktadır. Kurban olmanın belirleyicileri arasında annesinin eğitim düzeyinin düşük olması yer almaktadır (OO;%95GA;p:2,50;1,01-6,14;0,046). Zorba-kurbanlar, spor katılımında (OO;%95GA;p:2,61;1,49-4,59;0,001), kültürel (OO;%95GA;p:1,80;1,06-3,06;0,029) ve bilimsel etkinliklere katılımda (OO;%95GA;p:1,90;1,10-3,28;0,022) sorunlar yaşama açısından daha yüksek risk altındadır. Bu bulgular, özellikle zorba-kurban grubu arasında zorbalık önlemeye yönelik toplum temelli müdahalelerin önemini vurgulamaktadır.

Ethical Statement

This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Research Ethical Approval for Trakya University Faculty of Medicine Non-Interventional Studies has been obtained from the Scientific Research Ethics Board on 23.10.2023 with the reference number TUTF-GOBAEK 2023/397. Permissions from the Governorship and National Education Directorate were obtained on 22/11/2023 with the reference number 90177133. Parental consents for the students participating in the research and individual consents have also been obtained.

References

  • Sawyer SM, Azzopardi PS, Wickremarathne D, Patton GC. The age of adolescence. The lancet child & adolescent health. 2018;2(3):223-8.
  • Unicef. Investing in a safe, healthy and productive transition from childhood to adulthood is critical 2023. Available from: https://data.unicef.org/topic/adolescents/overview/
  • Dick B, Ferguson BJ. Health for the world’s adolescents: a second chance in the second decade. Journal of Adolescent Health. 2015;56(1):3-6.
  • WorldHealthOrganization. Adolescent and young adult health 2023 [updated 28.04.2023. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescents-health-risks-and-solutions
  • Ford R, King T, Priest N, Kavanagh A. Bullying and mental health and suicidal behaviour among 14- to 15-year-olds in a representative sample of Australian children. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. 2017;51(9):897-908.
  • Salmivalli C. Bullying and the peer group: A review. Aggression and violent behavior. 2010;15(2):112-20.
  • Smith PK. Bullying: Definition, types, causes, consequences and intervention. Social and Personality Psychology Compass. 2016;10(9):519-32.
  • World Health Organization. Global status report on preventing violence against children 2020 2020. Available from: https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/violence-prevention/global-status-report-on-violence-against-children-2020
  • Esteban ANP, Contreras CCT, Rodríguez SPO, Aldana MSCd, Bueno LMD, Silva BAdPNd. Bullying in adolescents: role, type of violence and determinants. Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP. 2020;54.
  • Gardella JH, Fisher BW, Teurbe-Tolon AR, Ketner B, Nation M. Students’ reasons for why they were targeted for in-school victimization and bullying. International journal of bullying prevention. 2020;2:114-28.
  • Bilgili N, Kocoğlu D, Akın B, editors. Peer Bullying Among High School Students and Related Factors. Yeni Symposium; 2016.
  • Tippett N, Wolke D. Socioeconomic status and bullying: A meta-analysis. American journal of public health. 2014;104(6):e48-e59.
  • Ghardallou M, Mtiraoui A, Ennamouchi D, Amara A, Gara A, Dardouri M, et al. Bullying victimization among adolescents: Prevalence, associated factors and correlation with mental health outcomes. PLoS one. 2024;19(3):e0299161.
  • Moore SE, Norman RE, Suetani S, Thomas HJ, Sly PD, Scott JG. Consequences of bullying victimization in childhood and adolescence: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World journal of psychiatry. 2017;7(1):60.
  • Top I, Ünal B. Peer bullying in adolescents and related factors. Turkish Journal of Public Health. 2024;22(1):23-34.
  • Wikipedia. Edirne 2023 [Available from: https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edirne.
  • Turkstat. Address-Based Population Registration System Results, 2022. Available from: https://data. tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=49685
  • Demircioğlu A, Akar C. Examination of Peer Bullying in Primary School Students in Terms of Various Variables. Türk Akademik Yayınlar Dergisi (TAY Journal). 2024;8(1):98-122.
  • Kutlu F, Aydın G. Preliminary Study of the Bully Scale Development: Self-Report Form. Türk Psikoloji Yazıları. 2010.
  • Şahin SS, Ayaz-Alkaya S. Prevalence and predisposing factors of peer bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents: A cross-sectional study. Children and Youth Services Review. 2023;155:107216.
  • Kilicaslan F, Beyazgul B, Kuzan R, Karadag D, Koruk F, Koruk I. The prevalence of peer bullying and psychiatric symptoms among high school students in southeast Turkey. Nordic journal of psychiatry. 2023;77(1):83-90.
  • MinistryofIndustryandTechnology. Research on the Socio-Economic Development Ranking of Districts - SEGE-2022 2022 [Available from: https://www. sanayi.gov.tr/assets/pdf/birimler/2022-ilce-sege.pdf
  • Hosozawa M, Bann D, Fink E, Elsden E, Baba S, Iso H, et al. Bullying victimisation in adolescence:prevalence and inequalities by gender, socioeconomic status and academic performance across 71 countries. EClinicalMedicine. 2021;41.
  • Chen L, Chen Y, Ran H, Che Y, Fang D, Li Q, et al. Social poverty indicators with school bullying victimization: evidence from the global school-based student health survey (GSHS). BMC public health. 2024;24(1):615.
  • Silva CS, Vilela¹ EM, de Oliveira¹ VC. Bullying in public and private schools: the. Educ Pesqui. 2024;50:e264614.
  • Silva CS, Vilela EM, Oliveira VCd. Bullying in public and private schools: the effects of gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Educação e Pesquisa. 2024;50:e264614.
  • Mokaya AG, Kikuvi GM, Mutai J, Khasakhala LI, Memiah P. Factors associated with bullying victimization among adolescents joining public secondary schools in Nairobi county Kenya: A cross-sectional study. African Journal of Health Sciences. 2022;35(6):672-85.
  • Iossi Silva MA, Pereira B, Mendonça D, Nunes B, Oliveira WAd. The involvement of girls and boys with bullying: an analysis of gender differences. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2013;10(12):6820-31.
  • Fujikawa S, Mundy LK, Canterford L, Moreno-Betancur M, Patton GC. Bullying across late childhood and early adolescence: A prospective cohort of students assessed annually from grades 3 to 8. Academic pediatrics. 2021;21(2):344-51.
  • Republic of Türkiye MoNE. Secondary School Awareness Program. 2024.
  • Karakuş Şahbaz Y. Ortaokul öğrencilerinde akran zorbalığı: Adana İli Yüreğir İlçesi pilot çalışma: Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü; 2019.
  • Ercan T, Özcebe L. Relations of self-esteem, obesity and peer bullying among middle school students in Turkey. European Journal of Public Health. 2020;30(Supplement_5):ckaa166. 936.
  • Halil K, Kaçar M. Akran zorbalığı ve toplumsal önemi: İki olgu sunumu. Anatolian Clinic. 2017;114.
  • Yang A, Salmivalli C. Different forms of bullying and victimization: Bully-victims versus bullies and victims. European Journal of Developmental Psychology. 2013;10(6):723-38.
  • Turkstat. Family in Statistics, 2022. Available from: https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Statistics-on-Family-2022-49683&dil=2#:~:text=The%20 proportion%20of%20one%2Dfamily%20 households%20decreased%20to%2064.5%25%20 in,2022%20from%2016.7%25%20in%202014
  • Ayan S. Aile içinde çocuğa yönelik şiddet (Sivas ilköğretim ikinci kademe öğrencileri üzerine bir inceleme). 2007.
  • Borualogo IS. The role of parenting style to the feeling of adequately heard and subjective well-being in perpetrators and bullying victims. Jurnal Psikologi. 2021;48(1):96-117.
  • Gini G. Associations between bullying behaviour, psychosomatic complaints, emotional and behavioural problems. Journal of paediatrics and child health. 2008;44(9):492-7.
There are 38 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Social Determinants of Health, Community Child Health
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Didem Han Yekdeş 0000-0002-3057-4617

Ali Cem Yekdeş 0000-0002-8928-2053

Emre Tel 0009-0000-2009-2158

Hazım Barış Pınarbaşı 0009-0001-8744-678X

Hatice Uysal 0000-0001-9851-5042

Ülfiye Çelikkalp 0000-0002-9945-2984

Galip Ekuklu 0000-0002-8915-6970

Publication Date June 5, 2025
Submission Date November 18, 2024
Acceptance Date April 14, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 10 Issue: 2

Cite

Vancouver Han Yekdeş D, Yekdeş AC, Tel E, Pınarbaşı HB, Uysal H, Çelikkalp Ü, et al. THE PREVALENCE, DETERMINANTS, AND SOME BEHAVIORAL OUTCOMES OF PEER BULLYING: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN TURKISH EARLY ADOLESCENCE. ESTUDAM Public Health Journal. 2025;10(2):149-62.

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