Cross-sectional study reveals that basic psychological need frustration partially mediates bullying-induced distress in adolescents, highlighting targets for mental health interventions.
PURPOSE: Bullying victimization poses a critical challenge, exerting negative effects on adolescents' mental health. In this study, the mediating role of basic psychological need frustration (BPNF) in the relationship between bullying victimization and psychological distress in adolescents was examined. METHODS: Between November 2025 and January 2026, research data were gathered via self-report instruments from 636 high school students attending schools in central Türkiye. SPSS PROCESS macro (Model 4) was employed for mediation analyses. RESULTS: The findings showed that autonomy, relatedness, and competence frustration partially mediated the relationship between bullying victimization and psychological distress. CONCLUSION: The findings yield significant practical implications for interventions aimed at safeguarding and enhancing adolescent mental health.
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Topbaş et al. (2026) studied this question.
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