Aggression–Victimization in Middle-Low Income Students in Turkey: Empathy Level, Gender, and Grade Level Differences

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze aggression–victimization differentiation in middle-school students by empathy level, gender, and grade level. A total of 260 students living in a middle-low-socioeconomic region of Ankara, Turkey, participated in the study (mean age = 12.89, standard deviation = 0.96). Results indicated that the students were more likely to be victims of violent behaviors rather than being aggressors. We found a high probability that victims could become aggressors or vice versa. There were no significant differences between empathy and victimization–aggression. Besides, the results revealed that boys were more prone to being victims and aggressors, especially concerning physical–verbal aggression and harming properties. However, girls were more likely to be victims of isolation and—to a lesser extent—verbal aggression. We discussed these results in light of literature.