Bullying is a form of aggression characterized by negative behavior intended to harm or distress others occuring repeatedly and involving an imbalance in the strength and power of the parties involved. It has become increasingly recognized in the pediatric age group because of the implications it has on the psychosocial health of children. Involvement in bullying be it a victim, a bully and a bully-victim has been associated with depression, anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms in the pediatric age group. Adolescents being a vulnerable stage, when afflicted with depression can have long-term serious effects on their mental health and functioning. There are numerous studies on bullying in Western countries. However, in the Philippines, there are few studies on bullying and its psychological effects on children. Bullying being a culture-based phenomenon, studies conducted in the Philippine setting is warranted. The aim of the study is to provide data on the prevalence of bullying and its associated psychological effects of depression, anxiety and stress on adolescents. It aims to investigate the association between being a victim of bullying to depression, anxiety and stress in adolescents.
Bullying ; Adolescent ; Depression