A SHADOWED START: THE LONG-HAUL RIPPLE EFFECT OF ADOLESCENT BODY IMAGE BULLYING

QUALITATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL RESEARCH

This qualitative study explored the long-term effects of bullying related to adolescent body image, emphasizing the social, psychological, and emotional effects that linger after the initial experiences. Understanding how bullying based on body image affects adolescents' self-perception and general well-being was the goal of the study. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight participants, all of whom related personal stories of being teased because of their appearance. Long-term issues like low self-esteem, ongoing body dissatisfaction, emotional disengagement, anxiety, and trouble focusing on class were all mentioned by the participants. They remembered being body-shamed, mocked, and called derogatory names, all of which had a long-lasting effect on their self-esteem and confidence. Despite these challenges, children developed coping strategies include asking friends for help, meditation, keeping occupied, ignoring the bullying, and carrying on being kind to others. The results imply that bullying related to body image can have consequences that affect adolescent growth, academic performance, and emotional well-being. The study emphasizes how important it is for educators and educational institutions to help students emotionally, enforce anti-bullying policies, and encourage body acceptance. These findings highlight the necessity of enhanced guidance services, inclusive policies, and proactive values education to support students' recovery and performance despite bullying.

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