The Effects of Emotional Intelligence and Belonging on Peer Bullying Tendencies of Elementary School Students

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  In Roundtable Session: Bullying and Victimization of Both Students and Teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the influences of emotional intelligence (EQ) and sense of belonging on peer bullying tendencies of students in a public elementary school in a developing district in Istanbul, Turkey. The contributing effects of gender, age, grade level, number of siblings and birth order were also examined. A total of 346 third- and fourth-grade students were responded to a self-report survey. The data was analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis. The findings showed that emotional intelligence and sense of school belonging were two factors that significantly negatively predicted peer bullying tendencies of elementary school students. Also, boys and third graders were found to be more inclined toward bullying behaviors compared to girls and fourth graders.

Authors

• Gonul Sakiz, Marmara University

• Derya Balak, Turkish Ministry of National Education