Investigation of the relationship between peer victimization and quality of life in school-age adolescents

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the relationship between peer victimization and quality of life in school-age adolescents. In the study, a total of 332 seventh- and eighth-grade students, who agreed to participate in the research and studying at secondary schools subsidiary of Provincial Directorate for National Education in the Province of Giresun, Turkey, were included in the study. The approval of ethics committee, permission of Provincial Directorate for National Education, and written and verbal consent of the students, who were participated in the research, were obtained. Personal Information Form, Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire, and Kiddo-KINDL Adolescent Quality of Life Scale was used for data collection. Considering the quality of life of adolescents according to the peer victimization, the mean physical well-being, mental well-being, family, friends, and disease sub-scale scores and the mean total score in the quality of life scale was found to be higher in adolescents not involved any bullying/victimization, and the difference was found to be significant (p < 0.05). In this study, it was concluded that peer victimization is widespread in Turkey, males are more prone to bullying, and peer victimization has a negative impact on quality of life.