The relationship between peer bullying and self-esteem and psychological resilience in adolescents

This research investigates how adolescents' experiences with peer bullying relate to their self-esteem and psychological resilience levels. The study employed a quantitative method within the framework of a relational screening model. The sample consisted of 647 seventh and eighth grade students attending schools in the Çukurova district during the 2024–2025 academic year. To gather data, the study utilized the Peer Bullying Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Child and Adolescent Resilience Scale, and a Personal Information Form created in accordance with the study's sub-objectives. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS 25.0. After confirming that the data followed a normal distribution, relevant parametric tests were applied, including the Independent Samples t-Test, One-Way ANOVA, Pearson Correlation Coefficient, and Simple Linear Regression Analysis. Participants were grouped as bullies, victims, or neutral in terms of bullying involvement. Their psychological resilience and self-esteem scores, along with demographic characteristics, were compared across these groups. The findings revealed statistically significant associations between bullying roles and both psychological resilience and self-esteem. Higher resilience scores were linked with being in the neutral group rather than the bully or victim categories. Similarly, neutral participants tended to have higher self-esteem levels compared to those involved in bullying behavior. Furthermore, variables such as gender, academic success, perceived family income, number of siblings, parental education level, school attachment, and age showed meaningful relationships with bullying roles, self-esteem, and resilience. In the study, a negative and significant relationship was found between peer bullying and self-esteem. Similarly, a negative and significant relationship was found between peer bullying and psychological resilience level. A positive and significant relationship was found between self-esteem and psychological resilience. According to the regression analysis, bullying and victimization levels are significant predictors of self-esteem. Similarly, psychological resilience significantly predicts self-esteem.