Association Between Bullying Experience and Emotional and Behavioral Problems Among High School Students in Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Rismawati Mahjiddin; T M Thaib; Anidar Latif; Raihan Rais; Eka Yunita Amna; Heru Noviat Herdata

doi:10.15850/ijihs.v14n1.4819

Authors

Rismawati Mahjiddin Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Syiah Kuala University/Dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
T M Thaib Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Syiah Kuala University/Dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Anidar Latif Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Syiah Kuala University/Dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Raihan Rais Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Syiah Kuala University/Dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Eka Yunita Amna Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Syiah Kuala University/Dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Heru Noviat Herdata Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Syiah Kuala University/Dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15850/ijihs.v14n1.4819

Keywords:

Adolescents, Bullying, Emotional and Behavioral Problems, High School Students

Abstract

Background: Bullying is a significant mental health concern among adolescents and is associated with emotional and behavioral disturbances. However, evidence regarding its impact among high school students in Banda Aceh, Indonesia remains limited.

Objective: To describe patterns of bullying victimization and examine their association with emotional and behavioral problems among high school students in Banda Aceh.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 purposively selected students aged 14–17 years in high schools in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, in February 2025. Bullying level and type were assessed using the Revised Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire (OBVQ-R), and emotional–behavioral problems were measured with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Associations were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests.

Results: Most participants were female (65%), and 45.6% were, in grade X. The majority of students (72.8%) reported having experienced bullying. Moderate bullying was reported by 20% of students while severe bullying was reported by 7.2%. The most common types of bullying were physical bullying (43.9%) of students and verbal bullying (32.2%). Cyberbullying was reported by 12.8% of students. Social, psychological, and sexual bullying were less frequent. No statistically significant association was found between bullying level and emotional–behavioral problems based on difficulty scores (p=0.932) or strength scores (p=0.670). However, Students who experienced higher levels of bullying tended to report greater emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Conclusion: Although not statistically significant, bullying may negatively affect students’ emotional wellbeing and relationships, highlighting the need for early detection, mental health screening, and school-based prevention.