Relationship of Hope and Life Satisfaction with Students Bullying and Bullying Victimization with the Mediating Role of School Connectedness: A Path Analysis Model

Background and Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship of hope and life satisfaction with students bullying and bullying victimization with the mediating role of school connectedness.                                     Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, the statistical population being high school students of Tehran city in the school year 2015-16. A sample of 300 students was selected using the stratified random sampling method. The data collection tools were the Snyder’s hope scale, Diener et al. life satisfaction scale, Waters and Cross School Connectedness scale and the Espelage and Holt Bullying scale. The hypothetical model was analyzed using path analysis with the LISREL8.57 software.   Results: Analysis of the data showed the following: 1. Hope and life satisfaction had a structural positive direct effect on school connectedness; 2. Life satisfaction had a direct negative effect on bullying; 3. Bullying had a direct effect on bullying victimization; 4. School connectedness had no direct effect on students bullying and bullying victimization. 5. Life satisfaction had an indirect effect on bullying victimization through bullying; 6. Finally, the indirect effects of hope and life satisfaction on bullying and bullying victimization through school connectedness were not confirmed. Conclusion: In can be concluded that life satisfaction is a facilitating factor for the school connectedness, serving as a protective factor against bullying. Hope and school connectedness may act as protecting factors in the prevention of bullying.