The Eeffect of Family and Peer Cohesion on Students' Bullying Behaviors

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between family cohesion and peer group with bullying behaviors of students in Islamabad-e-Gharb. The research method was explanatory. The population of the present study included high school students in Islamabad-e-Gharb in the academic year of 2016-2017. Hence, 364 students were selected and studied based on cluster sampling method. Research instruments included Family Cohesion Questionnaire, Illinois Bullying Scale, Peer Pressure Questionnaire, Peer Impact Resistance Scale, and Peer Compliance Questionnaire. Hence, data analysis was conducted based on path analysis method using AMOS software. The results of path analysis indicated that family cohesion has a negative and significant direct effect on bullying. Also, peer pressure, in addition to a positive and significant direct effect on bullying, has a positive and significant indirect effect through peer conformity on bullying. Resistance to the influence of peers, in addition to a direct negative and significant effect on bullying, has an indirect positive and significant effect on bullying. According to the obtained results, coordination and management of contextual variables involved in bullying behaviors (such as family, school and peer group) can be very effective in understanding and reducing students' bullying behaviors and consequently reducing irregularities and maltreatments at schools.