Examining the relationship between bullying tendencies loneliness levels and dysfunctional attitudes of children under protection and care

The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between bullying tendencies, loneliness levels, and dysfunctional attitudes of children under protection and care. The research was designed using a descriptive pattern based on the relational survey model. The sample consists of 96 children aged 8–9 who are under protection and care in child homes and child home sites affiliated with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services. Data were collected using the Child Information Form, the Bullying Tendency Scale, the Loneliness Scale for Children, and the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale for Children (8–14 Years) and analyzed through the SPSS 28 software. It was determined that the data did not meet the normal distribution assumption; therefore, non-parametric statistical techniques were preferred. Differences according to demographic variables were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis H test, while relationships between variables were examined using Spearman correlation analysis. In addition, the effects of loneliness levels and dysfunctional attitudes on bullying tendencies were evaluated through multiple regression analysis. The study revealed that the bullying tendencies and loneliness levels of children under protection and care were low, whereas their dysfunctional attitudes were at a moderate level. Positive and significant relationships were found between the variables; furthermore, loneliness levels and dysfunctional attitudes were found to significantly predict bullying tendencies. Additionally, significant relationships were observed between some demographic variables and children's bullying tendencies, loneliness levels, and dysfunctional attitudes. It is aimed that the findings of the study contribute to the development of early intervention programs and the strengthening of social support mechanisms to support the social-emotional development processes of children under protection and care. Moreover, it is expected that the research will contribute to the enhancement of practices in the field of child protection.