<![CDATA[Introduction: Bullying among adolescents is a psychosocial health issue that significantly affects emotional well-being and self-identity development. Although its prevalence and impact have been widely reported, limited research has explored how adolescents interpret and give meaning to their lived experiences of being bullied, particularly within their socio-cultural context. Objective: This study aims to explore the psychological meaning of adolescents lived experiences of bullying using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach. Research Methodology: This qualitative study employed an IPA approach and was conducted in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Ten adolescents aged 16–19 years were recruited through purposive sampling based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed following IPA procedures. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking and peer debriefing. Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) body image and self-identity as sources of social stigma, (2) emotional responses to bullying experiences, (3) diminished self-esteem and emotional vulnerability, and (4) efforts to seek safe spaces and self-recovery strategies. These findings indicate that bullying is internalized as a stigmatizing social experience that shapes adolescents’ identity, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive, empathetic, and family-centered nursing interventions that address adolescents’ identity development and emotional resilience. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of bullying as a meaning-making process and support the development of holistic psychosocial care in adolescent nursing.]]>
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