Experience of Victims Bullying Among School Students with Dormitory Facilities

Abstract

Purpose Bullying among school children is a repetitive phenomenon resulting in both physical and emotional harms. Students living in dormitory facilities are also subjected to such bullying, which contravenes the basic aim and objective of studying in a dormitory, that of developing personality, intelligence, and skills through peer effects. Hence, it is essential to explore the experiences of victims of bullying in dealing with perpetrators so that the negative impact of student life in dormitories can be avoided. This study aimed to obtain in-depth information on victims of bullying in undergoing an educational process that requires students to live together in a dormitory. Method. A qualitative research with a phenomenological approach was carried out to explore information using in-depth interviews and observation techniques. Using a purposive sampling technique and with the approval of dormitory managers and teachers of five boarding schools in Indonesia, a sample of 13 students was identified who had been victims of bullying. In-depth interviews were conducted with the sampled informants and interview transcripts were prepared to carry out a content analysis to identify themes and categories. Findings. The results of the interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi analysis, starting from the formation of coding to formulating themes. The study's results produced five main themes, including Inner (mental)torment, Difficulty concentrating, Nightmares approaching, Loneliness being the best, and Self-surrender. It was concluded that student life in the dormitory significantly impacted creating a person who excels, who is intelligent in socializing, innovative, and has high fighting power. Implications to Research and Practice. This study recommends synchronizing cooperation between parents, dormitory managers, and teachers by utilizing technological advances, along with application of stricter rules in dormitories.