Relationship between Direct and Relational Bullying and Emotional Well-being among Adolescents: The role of Self-compassion

Juan Múzquiz,José Bermúdez,Ana M. Pérez-García

doi:10.1007/s12144-022-02924-3

Juan Múzquiz, José Bermúdez + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-02924-3

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Journal: Current Psychology	Publication Date: Feb 25, 2022
Citations: 5	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: National University of Distance Education

Abstract

The objectives of the present study were, first, to analyze the impact of direct and relational bullying on emotional well-being, and second to study if self-compassion could foster emotional well-being among those who suffer bullying. A sample composed of 433 adolescents (Mage = 13.28; SD = .72) answered two measures of direct and relational bullying based on the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). The results showed that being a victim of either relational or direct bullying was associated with lower scores in positive affect and negative affect, while direct bullying was only associated with negative affect. Self-compassion was a strong predictor of emotional well-being, and self-compassion was a partial mediator between being a victim of bullying (either relational or direct) and negative affect. This research adds evidence that self-compassion may be an important component in prevention and intervention programs with victims of bullying.

Highlights

Adolescence is a phase of deep hormonal, cognitive and moral changes, as well as of identity development
We expected to find a negative association between suffering either type of bullying and emotional well-being, as well as a negative association between both forms of victimization and self-compassion
We sought to confirm a strong correlation between self-compassion and emotional well-being

Summary

Introduction

Adolescence is a phase of deep hormonal, cognitive and moral changes, as well as of identity development. It is a stage characterized by great neural plasticity, in which desirable or harmful experiences have a determining impact on brain circuitry, affecting well-being and psychopathology both during adolescence and adulthood (Susman & Dorn, 2009). During this stage, relationships with others gain great importance as they become references and influence self-view. Bullying appears to be problematic in early adolescence as it generally decreases with age (Moon et al, 2015)

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