The link between bullying victimization and mental well-being: Self-compassion and emotional flexibility as mediators among adolescents

Abstract Bullying victimization poses a potential threat to the mental well-being of adolescents. Existing literature indicates correlations between bullying victimization, self-compassion, emotional flexibility, and mental well-being. However, further exploration of these connections is warranted. This study seeks to investigate the mediating roles of self-compassion and emotional flexibility in the association between bullying victimization and mental well-being among adolescents. The study involved 1120 high school adolescents, comprising 669 boys (59.7%) and 451 girls (40.3%). The results indicated a significant negative relationship between bullying victimization and mental well-being. Moreover, self-compassion and emotional flexibility were found to mediate the relationship between bullying victimization and mental well-being. These mediation roles imply that self-compassion and emotional flexibility may act as buffering mechanisms. Mental well-being levels of adolescents exposed to bullying victimization decrease. On the other hand, self-compassion and emotional flexibility may increase adolescents’ mental well-being. Developing self-compassion and emotional flexibility skills in adolescents exposed to bullying can be effective intervention methods for improving their mental well-being.