Exploring the Relationship Between Chronic Bullying Victimization, Self Esteem and Emotional Dysregulation among Young Adults

Abstract

This study investigates the complex relationship between chronic bullying victimization, self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation among young adults in India. Drawing on foundational theories such as attachment theory, cognitive theory, and biosocial models of emotional regulation, the research aims to understand how prolonged exposure to bullying influences internal psychological processes. A sample of 100 individuals aged 18 to 30 was assessed using the Chronic Bullying Victimization Scale – Revised (CBVS-R), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the 18-item Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-18). Results revealed a significant negative correlation between bullying and self-esteem , a positive correlation between bullying and emotional dysregulation , and a strong negative correlation between self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. These findings suggest that chronic bullying can diminish self-worth and impair emotional regulation capacities, contributing to long-term psychological vulnerability. The study highlights the need for adult-focused bullying interventions and suggests that addressing both cognitive and emotional processes is essential in therapeutic settings. This research adds to the growing evidence that bullying is not merely a childhood issue but a developmental trauma with enduring effects across the lifespan.