Coping mechanisms of bullying survivors: Experiences of secondary school learners at Mamusa sub-district in the North West province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Bullying in schools has become a public health concern as it continues escalating and causing mental health issues, such as depression. Thus, victims of bullying apply various coping mechanisms for self-defence against bullies.
Aim: This study explores and describes coping mechanisms used by bullied survivors of the specific school.
Setting: Interviews were conducted at the participants’ homes in the Mamusa sub-district in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district in the North West province, South Africa.
Methods: A qualitative research approach following exploratory, descriptive and contextual designs was used. Twelve participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth individual face-to-face unstructured interviews until data saturation. Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s six-step process, was used to analyse the data. Principles of ethical consideration were adhered to, and trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, transferability and authenticity.
Results: Two themes emerged: positive and negative coping mechanisms with six sub-themes.
Conclusion: The findings revealed that victims used positive and negative coping mechanisms to deal with school bullying, which negatively affected the well-being of victims both academically and socially. Furthermore, extensive awareness and education on bullying needs to be promoted in schools to empower victims and learners. Concurrently, education on school bullying needs to be incorporated into nursing education for the proper management of victims.
Contribution: The new information resulting from this research may improve teaching and nursing education regarding how nurses and teachers should be trained on the prevention of bullying at schools. Extensive awareness and education on anti-bullying policies need to be emphasised in schools to deal with school bullying.