The effectiveness of positive and negative behavior change methods on reducing children's bullying

Bullying is one of the common problems in social environments among students, which can leave long-term negative effects on its victims. Therefore, the aim of the research was to investigate the effectiveness of positive and negative behavior change methods on reducing bullying among children.

This research was applied in terms of its purpose and semi-experimental using a multi-group pre-test and post-test design. The statistical population was 9- and 10-year-old boys' elementary schools in Semnan city in 1401/1402. To select the sample, one district and then three schools and 45 students were selected from among the educational districts of Semnan city by cluster sampling method and they were replaced in two experimental groups and one control group. The first experimental group underwent 14 sessions of positive behavior modification and modification, the second experimental group underwent 14 45-minute sessions of negative behavior modification and modification, and the control group did not receive training.The Illinois Bullying Scale (2011) was used to collect information. Shapiro-Wilk test, M-box, analysis of covariance and Tukey's follow-up test were used for data analysis.

The research results showed that there was a significant difference between the methods of changing and modifying positive and negative behavior compared to the control group. The results of the follow-up test showed that the method of changing and correcting positive behavior was effective in reducing children's bullying compared to the method of changing and correcting negative behavior.

Since reluctance and hatred of school, academic failure, decreased sense of security and mental health, and change of attitude towards school are the consequences of being victimized by bully peers. The results of the research showed that teaching positive management methods and modifying behavior by changing social norms and increasing appropriate social behaviors leads to behavioral changes and reducing bullying.