Predicting Emotional and Behavioral Problems through Bullying and Victimization in Pakistani Adolescents

Aim of the Study: Bullying and victimization are critical issues affecting the mental and emotional wellbeing of students worldwide. Despite extensive research demonstrating a robust link between bullying victimization and various emotional and behavioral problems, there remains a significant gap in understanding these dynamics within the Pakistani context. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of bullying and victimization among Pakistani school adolescents and investigate their predictive relationship with emotional and behavioral problems. Methodology: The cross-sectional study involved 500 adolescents (Mage = 11.06 years) from four public schools in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Participants completed the Forms of Bullying Scale and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Findings: Findings revealed a higher prevalence of boys in both categories. Overall, 29.6% of boys and 23.6% of girls fell into the clinical category for behavioral problems. Bullying significantly predicted conduct problems and externalizing behaviors, while victimization was associated with peer problems, hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, and internalizing behaviors. Both bullying and victimization negatively predicted prosocial behavior. Conclusion: Study highlight the need for gender-sensitive, targeted anti-bullying policies and support systems in Pakistani educational settings, emphasizing the importance of promoting mental health and positive social interactions among adolescents.