Effects of a Positive Peer Relationship Training Program on Self-Esteem, Bullying, and Depression for Children in Early Adolescence

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was done to identify the effects of the Positive Peer Relationship Training Program on self-esteem, bullying, and depression. METHODS: The research design was a quasi-experimental research with a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized pre-posttest. The recruited participants were forty-four 6th graders at an elementary school in G city. The research was carried out from September 10 to November 19, 2012. To test the effects of the Positive Peer Relationship Training Program, the participants were divided into two groups, an experimental group (23) and a control group (21). The Positive Peer Relationship Training Program was provided to the experiment group for 45 minutes/session twice a week, for 4 weeks. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact probability test, chi2-test and t-test with the SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. RESULTS: After attending the Positive Peer Relationship Training Program, no significant differences were found in self-esteem scores but significant differences were found in bullying and depression scores between the experimental group and the control group (t=1.27, p=.212, t=-2.10, p=.042; t=-2.37, p=.023). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the Positive Peer Relationship Training Program is an effective nursing intervention for decreasing bullying and depression among Children in Early Adolescence.