The Association between Teasing Behaviors, Self-regulation, and Depression Levels in Primary School Children

Teasing is a common problem among adolescents. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of experiencing teasing in adolescents, and to compare the levels of self-confidence and depression in those who were subjected to teasing and those who were not.

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,796 adolescents aged 11-14 in four different schools located in İzmir, Turkey between February and May 2018. Sampling was not used in the study as the goal was to encompass the entire population. For data collection, the Child-Adolescent Teasing Scale (CATS), Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHCSCS) and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) were used.

Of the participants, 76.5% reported that they were subjected to teasing. The mean score achieved by the participants on the CDI was 24.08±4.40, while on the PHCSCS it was 59.50±10.87. Although the level of self-confidence in adolescents who were subjected to teasing was lower (P<0.0001), there was no change in their depression levels (P=0.364). PHCSCS scores were negatively correlated with CATS scores. The overweight/obese adolescents obtained higher scores from CATS and lower scores from PHCSCS (P<0.0001).

Adolescents who have been exposed to bullying were found to have lower self-esteem scores compared with those who were not, while their depression scores remained the same. In order to ensure adolescents' physical, psychological and social well-being at school, multidisciplinary teams should conduct awareness-raising and anti-teasing programs.