Impact of Bullying Behavior on Mental Health and Quality of Life Among Pre-Adolescents and Adolescents in Sialkot-Pakistan

Abstract

Bullying in children and adolescents has become a serious social problem and a stern threat to mental health and well-being, leaving a shadow for severe psychopathology. Previous research has highlighted bullying behavior is a leading cause of emotional disturbances in children and adolescents, worsening their physical, psychological, and social sense of well-being. The aim of the present research was to explore the influence of bullying behavior on pre-adolescents, and adolescents’ mental health and quality of life. Further, age group and gender differences were also explored. For this purpose, a random sample of 400 children and adolescents, aged between 8-18 years from different schools and colleges of Sialkot-Pakistan were considered for assessment of bullying behavior. A self-develop demographic sheet along with different scales to assess bullying behavior, mental health and quality of life was administered. The results suggest that bullying behavior was negatively and significantly associated with mental health problems and quality of life in the whole sample. Findings further indicates the significant difference among pre-adolescents and adolescents on the variables of bullying behavior (t=13.34, ***p<0.01), QOL (t=-3.37, ***p<0.01) and mental health problems (t=-3.69, ***p<0.01). Gender differences on the variables of bullying behavior (t=13.34, ***p<0.01), QOL (t=-3.75, ***p<0.01) and mental health problems (t=-3.69, ***p<0.01) were also found significant. Bullying behavior exerts a greater impact on the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. There is an immense need to devise preventive strategies to enhance the emotional, psychological well-being of this group.

The Sohanjana Antibullying Intervention: Pilot Results of a Peer-Training Module in Pakistan

“…Research has indicated that bullying and cyberbullying are widespread in educational institutions in Pakistan and have adverse effects on students' physical and mental wellbeing (Ahmed et al 2022;Perveen et al 2022;Shahid et al 2022;Siddiqui et al 2021). Previous literature has demonstrated that adapting or adopting antibullying interventions from other countries to prevent bullying in Pakistani educational institutions has not always been successful (McFarlane et al 2017;).…”

“…Studies by Ahmed et al (2022); Perveen et al (2022); Shahid et al (2022);and Siddiqui et al (2021) have shown that bullying and cyberbullying are pervasive in Pakistani educational institutions and can have detrimental effects on the physical and mental wellbeing of students. Previous research has also indicated that importing or implementing antibullying interventions from other countries to combat bullying in Pakistani educational institutions has not always been effective (McFarlane et al 2017;.…”

Pengaruh Hatha Yoga Terhadap Kesehatan Mental Anak-Anak Anggota Sanggar Samirata

“…Kondisi anak-anak yang menjadi korban bullying atau perundungan hingga menyebabkan anak tersebut menarik diri dari aktivitas sosial menjadi bukti bahwa kurangnya kesehatan mental anak-anak tersebut. Hal ini sejalan dengan kajian dari Shahid et al, (2022). Pada penelitian tersebut ditemukan bahwa perilaku perundungan memberikan dampak yang lebih besar pada kesejahteraan dan kesehatan mental anak dan remaja yang dapat berpengaruh pada kesejahteraan pribadi, sosial, dan psikologis serta dapat menimbulkan patologi parah di kemudian hari.…”