Empowering Resilience: Unveiling the Nexus of Bullying and Self-Esteem among the Students of University of Sargodha

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the relationship between experiencing bullying and self-esteem among students at the University of Sargodha. The primary objective was to assess how bullying behavior affects various dimensions of students' self-esteem, including satisfaction with self-image, confidence levels, and self-motivation. Given that self-esteem is a critical predictor of behavior, the research was grounded in the Looking Glass Self-Theory to understand the psychological impact of bullying. A quantitative, descriptive research design was employed, with data collected from 208 students within the Faculty of Social Sciences through a structured online questionnaire. The sample was drawn using multistage and convenient sampling techniques. The findings revealed a significant negative relationship between experiencing bullying and self-esteem, indicating that increased bullying experiences lead to lower self-esteem. Based on these results, it is recommended that anti-bullying interventions be implemented to enhance student well-being and support their self-esteem.