Journal of Applied Nursing and Health
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Applied Nursing and Health

Effectiveness of a Positive Deviance–Based Educational Intervention on Children’s Self-Esteem for Bullying Prevention: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Wahyuni, Retno (Unknown)
Marliani, Marliani (Unknown)
Lusiatun, Lusiatun (Unknown)
Japar, Abdul (Unknown)
Pangaribuan, Ingka Kristina (Unknown)
Manurung, Herna Rinayanti (Unknown)
Adethia, Kismiasih (Unknown)
Fathahilah, Bunga Dwi (Unknown)
Sinaga, Intan Putri (Unknown)
Dalimunthe, Juwita Rantika (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
21 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Bullying is a critical school issue rooted in low self-esteem, which serves as a major vulnerability factor for children. This study aims to analyze the role of Positive Deviance (PD) education in improving children’s self-esteem as a bullying prevention strategy. Methods: A quantitative quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was employed. The population consisted of grade VI students at SD Negeri 101893 Bangun Rejo, with a total sample of 58 students, divided into an experimental (n=29) and a control (n=29) group. Sampling involved identifying "positive deviants"—children who successfully overcame bullying risks—to develop the PD education module. Variables measured included knowledge, self-esteem (SE), and Positive Deviance Bullying behavior (PB) as dependent variables, collected via validated instruments. Ethical clearance was ensured throughout the procedure, and data were analyzed using Paired and Independent t-tests. Results: Most respondents were aged 11–12 years, and the experimental group had a higher proportion of females (65.5%). The experimental group showed significant improvements in knowledge (p=0.0001), self-esteem (p=0.043), and behavior (p=0.034). Independent t-test results confirmed significant differences between the experimental and control groups for knowledge (p=0.013), self-esteem (p=0.037), and behavior (p=0.024), indicating the intervention's effectiveness. Conclusion: Positive Deviance education effectively enhances children’s self-esteem, providing a vital psychological foundation for bullying prevention. It is recommended that future programs adopt a whole-school approach involving teachers and parents to support long-term behavioral change and sustainability.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

janh

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Chemistry Dentistry Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience Nursing Public Health Veterinary

Description

Journal of Applied Nursing and Health (JANH) (Prefix DOI: 10.55018) has published its first volume with p-ISSN: 2657-1609 (SK LIPI: 0005.26571609/JI.3.1/SK.ISSN/2019.05) in 2019 and e-ISSN: 2809-3208 (SK LIPI 005.28093208/K.4/SK.ISSN/2021.12) in 2021. JANH is a health journal that publishes ...