The Role of Positive School Experiences and Trust in Teachers in Adolescents' Conflict Management Skills and Exposure to Bullying

ABSTRACT Previous studies have reported a negative relationship between adolescents' conflict management skills and their exposure to bullying. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship have not yet been fully clarified. This study examines the role of positive school experiences and trust in teachers in this relationship. The research, conducted with a cross‐sectional design, included 543 adolescents aged 11–14. Of the participants, 314 were girls and 229 were boys, providing a balanced sample in terms of gender distribution. The data revealed significant relationships between conflict management skills, positive school experiences, trust in teachers, and exposure to bullying. Positive school experiences and trust in teachers were found to partially mediate this relationship, while exposure to bullying was negatively associated with these variables. The results were discussed in light of the existing literature, and recommendations were provided.