Academic psycho-social effects of bullying among obese learners in rural schools

Nwakwana Emily Thenga and Matodzi Godfrey Sikhwari
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Nwakwana Emily Thenga: University of Venda
Matodzi Godfrey Sikhwari: University of Venda

International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), 2025, vol. 14, issue 8, 452-461

Abstract: Childhood obesity is a growing global public health concern, particularly in rural settings, where socio-cultural factors contribute to the prevalence of bullying. Obese learners often face severe psychosocial challenges due to bullying, which negatively impacts their academic performance, self-esteem, and mental well-being. Despite the increasing awareness of bullying, limited research focuses on its educational and psychosocial effects on obese learners in rural secondary schools. This study explores the experiences of obese learners subjected to bullying and examines how these experiences affect their educational outcomes and emotional health. Grounded in Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, which emphasizes how behaviours such as bullying are learned through observation and reinforcement, the study adopts an interpretive paradigm to gain in-depth insights into the lived experiences of affected learners. A qualitative research design was employed, using in-depth interviews, discussions, and observations to collect data from five public rural secondary schools. Participants included ten obese learners in grades 10 and 11 who had experienced bullying and four teachers who interacted with these learners. Purposive sampling ensured the selection of participants with relevant experiences, while thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns emerging from the data. Findings indicate that bullying has significant negative psychological effects, leading to anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and diminished self-esteem. Academic performance is also affected, as many bullied obese learners experience absenteeism, lack of concentration, and reduced motivation to engage in learning. To address these challenges, schools should implement anti-bullying policies that specifically target weight-based discrimination and foster an inclusive school culture. Psychoeducational support programs should be introduced to provide counselling and resilience training for obese learners. This study highlights the severe academic and psychosocial consequences of bullying among obese learners in rural secondary schools. Addressing these issues requires targeted interventions that promote a supportive learning environment, empower affected learners, and discourage bullying behaviours. Key Words: Childhood obesity; Bullying; Academic performance; Psychosocial effects; Rural secondary schools

Date: 2025
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