Bullying among North Lebanon teenagers and its relationship with body mass index and self-esteem

Abstract

Around the world, school bullying is presented as a major social problem affecting children and adolescents’ social functioning, healthy development and psychological well-being. Overweight or obesity is considered as one of many risk factors for bullying behaviors. Across many studies, high body mass index was found to be correlated with victimization and adjustment problems including low self-esteem. This research aims to examine bullying and its relationship with body mass index and self-esteem among teenagers in North Lebanon. As a correlational study, quantitative methods and convenience sampling were used. The current study included a sample of 166 students. The students were in grades 6-7 and 8 with 69 (41.6%) males and 97 (58.4%) females. The age range was between 8 and 14. As tools, the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire was used to assess the frequency of bullying, bullying roles and bullying types. The Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES) was also used to examine the levels of self-esteem’ of studied teens. As result, 4.8% bullies” and 6.6% victims were found among the studied sample. The sample did not include bully/victims. In other words, no student has experienced bullying victimization and perpetration both simultaneously. Regarding victimization types, relational victimization was the most reported among students whereas among bullying perpetration types, physical type was the most reported. In addition, 7 (4.2%) were found to be obese (among adolescences, obesity is defined as a BMI equal to or greater than 95th percentile for children and teens) and 15 (9%) were found to be overweight (defined as BMI equal to or over 30 kg/m2 (or equal to 95th percentile; depending on age and gender)). As well, 35 (21%) students were found to have low global self-esteem. A significantly negative mutual correlation (r = - 0.248) between bullying perpetration and self-esteem was found. Also, a significantly negative correlation (r = -0.285) was concluded between victimization and self-esteem. The increase in either bullying victimization or bullying perpetration is therefore associated with low self-esteem. As well, body mass index was found to be negatively correlated with self-esteem. High body mass index decreased self-esteem and reciprocally. However, no correlation was found between victimization and body mass index and bullying perpetration and body mass index. As conclusion, schools are advised to address bullying behaviors and spread awareness about the impact of bullying on emotional and physical health. Further studies and intervention programs are also recommended to prevent bullying among peers and build a safe and secure environment for education.