| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Background : Bullying is a widespread violence type that threatens adolescents' well-being in family, school, and neighborhood. This study aimed to estimate the percentages of the last 12 months of bullying behavior types among Greek adolescents and identify the associations of these behaviors with adolescents' aggression and mental health-behavioral problems. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods : The sample consisted of 1934 adolescents attending the second grade of 45 randomly selected public and private high schools and senior high schools of the Greater Athens Metropolitan Area, Greece. Bullying involvement was examined by four questions, evaluating the occurrence and type of bullying. The adolescents' aggression and their mental health-behavioral problems were estimated using the Buss-Perry aggression questionnaire, as well as the strength and difficulties questionnaire, respectively. Moreover, information about adolescents' individual and family characteristics was collected. Results : Overall, 18.4% of participants reported bullying involvement at school as a victim (11.0%), a bully (5.0%), or both (2.4%), while verbal bullying was the most common type. Compared to uninvolved participants, victims were more likely to report emotional symptoms and peer problems, and bullies were highly likely to report physical aggression, bully-victims physical aggression, hostility, and lower prosocial behavior. Conclusions : Approximately, 20% of adolescents were involved in bullying in the past year at school, reporting aggressive behaviors, emotional problems, and/or social difficulties. Further longitudinal research would increase the understanding of the mechanisms of bullying involvement that may lead to preventative interventions promoting positive peer interactions in schools. |