Peer Bullying and Motivational Interviewing In Adolescents

Abstract

Peer bullying is an increasingly important public health problem all over the world. Bullying behaviours are exhibited mostly during adolescence and continue to increase throughout this period. Bullying can cause problems such as physical and emotional wear, decrease in social relations, tendency to depression, suicide attempt, decrease in self-esteem, weakening in peer relations and increase in depression level. Adolescents, who are the future of the community, should be protected from negative behaviours such as peer bullying in order to be healthy. New interventions/strategies would be beneficial to prevent peer bullying in adolescents, and to ensure the healthy development of adolescents. Motivational interviewing is generally an appropriate approach to use for individuals who are reluctant to change or have conflicting feelings. Motivational interviewing is seen as a new, practical and effective method in providing behavioural change in adolescents and preventing peer bullying.