Research Article
Bullying Perpetration in Adolescents: The Impact of Self-Esteem and Moral Disengagement
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.1-11-2025.2362871, author={Arif Triman and Rahayu Rahayu and Muhamad Nafi Uz Zaman and Muhamad Revaldo and Fadli Delian Pangaribawa}, title={Bullying Perpetration in Adolescents: The Impact of Self-Esteem and Moral Disengagement}, proceedings={Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Psychology and Health Issues, ICoPHI 2025, 1 November 2025, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia}, publisher={EAI}, proceedings_a={ICOPHI}, year={2026}, month={4}, keywords={Bullying Self Esteem Moral Disengagement Perpetrators}, doi={10.4108/eai.1-11-2025.2362871} }- Arif Triman
Rahayu Rahayu
Muhamad Nafi Uz Zaman
Muhamad Revaldo
Fadli Delian Pangaribawa
Year: 2026
Bullying Perpetration in Adolescents: The Impact of Self-Esteem and Moral Disengagement
ICOPHI
EAI
DOI: 10.4108/eai.1-11-2025.2362871
Abstract
Bullying in Indonesia poses serious risks to social relationships, academic performance, and psychological well-being. This study examined the roles of self-esteem and moral disengagement in bullying involvement among adolescent perpetrators. Using a cross-sectional design, the study involved 71 adolescents identified as bullying perpetrators who participated anonymously. Data were collected using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (α = 0.749), the Moral Disengagement Scale by Hymel et al. (α = 0.826), and the Bullying Scale by Hidayati and Istiqomah (α = 0.969). Multiple regression analysis showed that self-esteem and moral disengagement significantly predicted bullying behavior (R² = 0.546). Self-esteem had a significant negative effect (β = 1.007; p < 0.01), while Moral Disengagement–Cognitive Restructuring (β = 2.363; p < 0.01) and Distortion of Behavior (β = 0.901; p < 0.05) had significant positive effects. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening self-esteem and reducing moral disengagement in school-based bullying prevention programs.
