The impact of verbal bullying on the mental health of students at a senior high school in Bekasi, Indonesia

Adolescent bullying is a global concern due to its profound impact on mental health. In particular, verbal bullying can lead to psychological consequences such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, affecting social interactions and academic performance. Despite anti-bullying initiatives, the prevalence of bullying remains high, necessitating further research on protective factors. This study examined the relationship between self-confidence and anxiety among victims of verbal bullying. A quantitative research design was employed with a population comprising all male and female students aged 15-17 years in 10th grade at State Islamic Senior High School (Bekasi, Indonesia) who were victims of verbal bullying. The sampling technique used purposive sampling with 92 respondents. Data were collected using questionnaires on respondent demographics: the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and the Self-Confidence Scale. Data were analyzed using chi-squared and Pearson product-moment correlation tests to determine the relationship between the two variables. A significant negative correlation (r=-0.634, p=0.000) was found between self-confidence and anxiety among bullying victims. This study showed that higher self-confidence was linked to lower anxiety levels, indicating an inverse relationship between self-confidence and anxiety among victims of verbal bullying. Enhancing self-confidence may act as a protective factor against anxiety in students who are bullied.