PHYSICAL BULLYING VICTIMIZATION AS A DETERMINANT OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL CHILDREN IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

1. Introduction Physical bullying is a significant issue in Sri Lanka, particularly among school-aged children and adolescents. Physical bullying has been recognized as a leading factor of depression among vulnerable people, including special education students in North Central Province in Sri Lanka. Hence, studying in this area is indispensable, yet an empirical research gap is available, henceforward, and this study aims to explore the impact of physical bullying victimization on depressive symptoms of special education students. This study signifies the implications of reducing special education children's depressive symptoms and providing an atmosphere that is supportive of their development. 2. Research Methodology This study is positivistic, deductive, quantitative, and cross-sectional. The population was 551 special education school children in North Central Province, and the sample size was 241. Data were collected by adopting a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 21 by deploying descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including Pearson Correlation and Multiple Regression analysis. 3. Findings and Discussion The result was significant regression coefficients of physical bullying victimization (H1: β=.771, p=.000), including its dimensions: forceful physical contact (H2: β=.364, p=.000), spitting behavior (H3: β=.103, p=.041), inflict physical harm (H4: β=.-.169, p=.000), and Seizing, concealing, and displacing behavior (H5: β=.142, p=.000) on depressive symptoms result through multiple regression analysis. Hence, all five (05) hypotheses of the study were accepted. 4. Conclusion and Implications The study's value resides in its confirmation of the impact of physical bullying on depressive symptoms of special education children in North Central Province. Education policymakers should have a comprehensive understanding of the various forms of physical bullying and their impact on depressive symptoms. It is essential for educators and mental health professionals to develop effective prevention and intervention programs.