Dimensions of Perceived Psychological Distress as Predictor of Bullying Victimization: A Study of Adolescents in Akoko-South West Ondo State, Nigeria.

Authors

  • I. O. Segun-Martins Department of Pure and Applied Psychology, Adekunle Ajasin University, P.M.B., 001, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

Keywords:

Psychological distress, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Bullying victimization, Adolescents

Abstract

This paper examines the predictability of psychological distress dimensions (anxiety, stress, and depression) as predictors of bullying victimization among school going adolescents in Akoko South-West Ondo State. This paper considers the Social Dominance Theory (SDT). Cross sectional survey research design was used in this study. The dependent variable was bullying victimization while the independent variable is psychological distress (anxiety, stress, depression). Using purposive sampling technique, three hundred (300) school going adolescents were sampled from Akoko South West Ondo State. The participants were made up of 158 (52.8%) male and 140 (46.8%) female. The participants age as at the time of data collection ranged between 12-19 years (M=14.79; SD=1.552). The participants’ class as at the time of data collection range from SS 1=87(29.1%), SS 2=153(51.2%), SS 3=59(19.7%). The instrument used for data collection were; Psychological Distress Scale: Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale-21 (DASS-21); Bullying Victimization Scale (BVS); and the Multidimensional Bullying Victimization Scale (MBVS). The results of this paper showed that among teenagers enrolled in school, bullying victimization is jointly predicted by depression, anxiety, and stress. Based on the results of this study, it was recommended that comprehensive mental health education programs in schools to promote awareness about psychological distress and its potential link to bullying victims.

 

Downloads

Published

2025-06-13