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This seminal study from Turkey investigates sexual abuse (SA) victimization, psychological symptoms, and hopelessness in female adolescents with runaway behavior. A total of 76 female adolescent participants aged 15–18 completed the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). Among these adolescents, 63.1% (n = 48) were victims of SA, 61.8% (n = 47) had a Global Severity Index (GSI) T-score of 63 or above, and 68.4% (n = 52) had moderate–severe hopelessness. Although there was no significant difference, the SA rate was higher in those who had experienced SA before running away. 'Intrafamilial relationship problems' and 'SA-related factors' were the most frequently reported reasons for runaway behavior. Victims of SA had significantly higher scores in all BSI subdimensions and global symptom severity than those previously not SA victims. The results suggest that high levels of psychological symptoms, hopelessness, history of SA, and poor parent–child relationships are possible factors that can describe female adolescents who have run away from home. Psychosocial prevention programs involving adolescents and parents are needed to prevent at-risk female adolescents from running away from home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the psychometric properties of the Cyberbullying Inventory (CBI) for University Students. There were 635 Turkish university students (57.48% females) in the pilot data set. The results showed that the pilot data set confirmed the proposed factor structure for CBI for University Students with some modifications. The final form of CBI for University Students was cross-validated with a second data set, composed of 1281 Turkish university students (52.54% females). Confirmatory factor analyses revealed adequate fit to the data, the internal consistency coefficients showed good internal consistencies, and evidence for convergent validity was obtained. Therefore, CBI for University Students with 11 items is a valid and reliable assessment instrument that can be used by researchers, counsellors and other mental health practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the relationships among empathic tendency and circadian preference on cyberbullying and cybervictimization of adolescents in Turkey were examined. The study group included 1540 adolescents (861 female, 679 male), and anonymous and voluntary participation was sought in forming the study group. Data were collected from each participant by assessing a demographic questionnaire, the Composite Scale of Morningness for circadian preference, Empathy, Cyberbully and Victim Scales. The most important result was that gender, empathy, and Composite Scale of Morningness scores were the predictors for cyberbullying and cybervictimization, and as a consequence, male and evening-oriented adolescents scored higher on cyberbullying and cybervictimization. Additionally, it was observed that cyberbullying and empathy were inversely correlated in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]