Analyzing the relationship between character strength and bullying in adolescents

In this research, we have examined the relationship between character strengths and the situation of being bully and victim in adolescents studying ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade in high school. In addition to this, we have examined whether character strength and bullying differs according to gender. Research group consist of 664 students studying high school in Kocaeli- Gebze, Darıca, Çayırova in 2018-2019 education period and chosen by proper sampling method. In this research, Character Development Index, Peer Bullying Scale Adolescent Form and Personal Information Form have been used. In data statistical analyze, SPSS 24.0 for Windows program has been used. In conclusion of this research, when we look at the relationship between character strengths and the relationship between victims and bullies scale, we have concluded that they have generally low level relations. Although total victim score and determination, modesty, optimism, kindness, closeness, calmness, courage, wisdom, spirituality and honesty have strong relationship, it has been concluded that forgiveness and total victim score are not related. On the other hand, however total bullying score and determination, modesty, optimism, kindness, closeness, calmness, wisdom and spirituality have strong relationship, it has been concluded that courage and forgiveness are not related with total bullying score. Regression analysis shows that determination and honesty strength which are parts of character development index , explain 10% of total variance of being victim and also shows that determination, modesty , spirituality and honesty strength which are also parts of character development index , explain 16% of total variance of being bully. In the examination that has been done according to gender variable, in the sub-dimension of character development inde -Optimism, Kindness, Calmness, Courage, Wisdom and Honesty- statistically meaningful differences have been found. Also, according to the gender variable, it has been achieved that total victim and bullying score are higher in male students in comparison to female students. Keywords: Adolescence period, character strengths, bullying.