Prediction of Self-Esteem Based on School Bullying and Family Disintegration among Intermediate School Students

Abstract

This study aims to identify the prevalence of school bullying, family disintegration, and the level of self-esteem among middle school students. It also seeks to uncover differences in school bullying, family disintegration, and self-esteem based on six (male and female) and grade level (first, second, and third intermediate). Furthermore, the study analyzes the correlation between school bullying, family disintegration, and self-esteem among the sample members, and predicts the level of self-esteem based on school bullying and family disintegration among middle school students. The research population consisted of middle school students in public schools within the Al-Karkh 3 district, including both male and female students distributed across the three grade levels (first, second, and third intermediate). The research sample included 150 students-75 male and 75 females. The researcher adopted a descriptive correlational methodology. The study utilized the Self-Esteem Scale developed by Abu Al-Wafa (2018), the Family Disintegration Scale prepared by Hussein and Sami (2021), and a School Bullying Scale developed by the researcher due to the absence of an existing scale (to the best of the researcher’s knowledge). The study yielded several findings, including: 1. The prevalence of school bullying among middle school students ranged from moderate to high. Family disintegration appeared at varying levels, while self-esteem was generally at a good level. 2. No statistically significant differences were found in school bullying, family disintegration, or self-esteem based on six. However, limited differences were observed based on grade level. 3. A negative correlation was found between school bullying and self-esteem, while a strong positive correlation was found between family disintegration and self-esteem, reflecting a psychological and social interplay worthy of further investigation. 4. It is possible to predict students’ self-esteem levels based on school bullying and family disintegration, according to a statistically significant linear regression equation.