Validation of Hindi version of revised olweus bullying questionnaire: A psychometric study among Kashmiri school students

Abstract

Bullying is a significant issue in educational systems worldwide, impacting students’ mental and physical well-being. This study sought to validate the Hindi adaptation of the revised Olweus Bullying Questionnaire (OBQ-R), a widely used instrument for assessing bullying and victimization. The study involved 3,216 students from Grades 3 to 12 in Kashmiri schools, employing a convenient sampling method. The data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the construct validity of the tool, along with measurement invariance testing across genders and grade levels. The EFA revealed a robust two-factor structure, encompassing bullying and victimization. The CFA confirmed this structure with excellent model fit indices. Measurement invariance testing demonstrated that the OBQ-R was consistent across genders and different grade levels, supporting its reliability and applicability. The findings affirm that the Hindi OBQ-R is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing bullying in Kashmiri school settings. This validation facilitates targeted interventions and policy creation, contributing to safer school environments and enhanced student well-being.