Peer Bullying and Self-Esteem in Turkish School-Age Children Who Stutter

Authors : Gülsüm Yitik Tonkaz, Esen Yıldırım Demirdöğen, Ali Çakır, Sümeyye Kocaman

Pages : 85-91

Doi:10.35440/hutfd.1597011

View : 25 | Download : 30

Publication Date : 2025-03-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background: This study aims to examine the prevalence of peer bullying among Turkish-speaking school-aged children who stutter (CWS) and to explore the relationships between exposure to bullying and self-esteem, depression, and anxiety symptoms in these children. Methods: The study included a case group of 35 children diagnosed with stuttering and a control group of 35 children with fluent speech. The children in the stuttering group were assessed by a speech and language therapist using the Stuttering Severity Instrument. Additionally, all children were asked to complete the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire, and the Revised-Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS). Results: There was a significant relationship between peer bullying experiences, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression symptoms between both groups (p< 0.05). CWS demonstrated greater susceptibility to peer bullying compared to the control group, and they scored higher on the RSES, indicating reduced self-esteem. Furthermore, it was found that symptom scores for depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder increased in stuttering children with low self-esteem. Discussion: Our study demonstrated that school-aged CWS exhibit lower self-esteem and more pronounced symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders. We believe that healthcare professionals working with the school-age CWS should assess their self-esteem and engage them in activities aimed at enhancing self-esteem, as this may help prevent the development of secondary psychopathologies such as depressive disorder, anxiety disorder.
Keywords : Akran zorbalığı, Benlik Saygısı, Kekemelik

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