ANXIETY AS A CONSEQUENCE OF BULLYING ADOLESCENTS IN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO

Session

Psychology

Description

Bullying is a widespread issue that significantly impacts adolescents’ mental health, with anxiety being one of its most common psychological consequences. This study aims to examine the prevalence of bullying among adolescents in Albania and Kosovo and to investigate how experiences of bullying contribute to the development of anxiety. A crosssectional design was employed. Surveys were distributed to adolescents aged 12–18 across two high schools in Albania and two in Kosovo. Bullying victimization was assessed using the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire (Olweus, 1996), anxiety symptoms were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (Beck et al., 1988), and demographic information was collected. Cultural and societal factors influencing the nature and impact of bullying were also explored. The sample included 1,300 high school students (56.6% female; Mage = 15.6 years). Findings revealed that 53% of adolescents in Albania and 47% in Kosovo reported being bullied. The most prevalent forms were physical bullying (27%), verbal bullying (35%), and relational bullying (31%). A significant positive correlation was observed between bullying victimization and anxiety (r = 0.61, p < 0.01). Rural adolescents experienced higher rates of both bullying and anxiety compared to urban peers, while females reported higher anxiety levels than males, regardless of bullying exposure. This study provides strong evidence of the detrimental effects of bullying on adolescent mental health, particularly in relation to anxiety. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive, culturally sensitive anti-bullying programs in both Albania and Kosovo to address the emotional and social challenges faced by adolescents.

Keywords:

Bullying, anxiety, adolescents, Albania, Kosovo, mental health, victimization, cultural factors

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-982-41-2

Location

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Start Date

25-10-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

26-10-2025 6:00 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.313

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Oct 25th, 9:00 AM Oct 26th, 6:00 PM

ANXIETY AS A CONSEQUENCE OF BULLYING ADOLESCENTS IN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Bullying is a widespread issue that significantly impacts adolescents’ mental health, with anxiety being one of its most common psychological consequences. This study aims to examine the prevalence of bullying among adolescents in Albania and Kosovo and to investigate how experiences of bullying contribute to the development of anxiety. A crosssectional design was employed. Surveys were distributed to adolescents aged 12–18 across two high schools in Albania and two in Kosovo. Bullying victimization was assessed using the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire (Olweus, 1996), anxiety symptoms were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (Beck et al., 1988), and demographic information was collected. Cultural and societal factors influencing the nature and impact of bullying were also explored. The sample included 1,300 high school students (56.6% female; Mage = 15.6 years). Findings revealed that 53% of adolescents in Albania and 47% in Kosovo reported being bullied. The most prevalent forms were physical bullying (27%), verbal bullying (35%), and relational bullying (31%). A significant positive correlation was observed between bullying victimization and anxiety (r = 0.61, p < 0.01). Rural adolescents experienced higher rates of both bullying and anxiety compared to urban peers, while females reported higher anxiety levels than males, regardless of bullying exposure. This study provides strong evidence of the detrimental effects of bullying on adolescent mental health, particularly in relation to anxiety. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive, culturally sensitive anti-bullying programs in both Albania and Kosovo to address the emotional and social challenges faced by adolescents.