Predictors of Bullying and Physical Health in Institutionalized Children: A Pakistani Perspective

Abstract

This research examined the influence of physical health of the orphanage children in Pakistan on bullying and institutionalization duration. A purposive sample (n= 600 children 300 males, 300 females) aged 10-19 years, in orphanages in Gujrat, Gujranwala and Lahore were used to administer a cross-sectional correlational design. The bullying tendencies in the children were measured using illusion bullying scale. The findings revealed that, males scored a great deal higher in fighting and victimization relative to females. In addition, it was found that there were significant variations in bullying by weight with children of 20-39 kg having the highest bullying scores. There was also dissimilarity in victimization on the basis of health condition, yet not institution length. Chi-square analysis revealed that health condition and stay duration, and weight and stay duration were significantly related. The results indicate the necessity of specific psychosocial and health educational interventions in the institutional care environment.