Self-Esteem, Peer Support, and Campus Culture as Predictors of Bullying Victimization among University Students in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Bullying victimization among university students is an underexplored yet critical issue in the context of higher education in Pakistan. This study examines how self-esteem, peer support, and campus culture predict bullying victimization among university students in Punjab. A quantitative, explanatory research design was employed, surveying 250 university students using standardized scales. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the hypothesized relationships. Findings indicate that higher levels of self-esteem and peer support are associated with lower levels of bullying victimization. Furthermore, a positive campus culture significantly reduces the likelihood of being bullied. The model demonstrates strong predictive validity and model fit. This study contributes to the growing literature on student well-being by integrating psychological and environmental factors into a cohesive framework. Its novelty lies in the use of SEM to explore these relationships in the Pakistani higher education context, where socio-cultural dynamics uniquely shape bullying behaviors. The findings provide practical implications for campus policy, suggesting that universities should promote peer bonding, enhance student confidence, and foster a supportive institutional culture to mitigate bullying. The research encourages future interventions that address both internal and external factors affecting students' experiences of victimization.