Resilience and self-concept as mediating factors in the relationship between bullying victimization and sense of well-being among adolescents

Abstract

Studies have showed that being bullied by peers in adolescence is strongly and consistently associated with decreased sense of well-being that may be expressed in emotional, physical and behavioural effects. Yet, there are personal variables that might mediate the relationships between bullying victimization and low levels of well-being. In this study, we have examined the possible moderating effect of resilience and self-concept that were found to be connected to bullying and to well-being among Israeli adolescents. 507 middle school Israeli students, aged 11–16, fulfilled Bullying victimization, well-being, self-concept and resilience questionnaires. A mediation model analysis have revealed that the hypothesized mediation model was accepted in full and both high self-concept and resilience mediates this relationship. Specific directions and recommendation are discussed for further insights into intervention and prevention programmes for adolescents, in order to optimize existing programmes as well as to create an infrastructure for new intervention programs.

Keywords

• bullying victimization
• well-being
• self-concept
• resilience