The Effect of the Nurse-Led ROOTS Program and Soft Skills Training on Emotional Regulation to Prevent Bullying in High School Students in Bandung City: A Quasi-Experimental

This study aims to evaluate the effect of a nurse-led intervention combining the ROOTS program and soft skills training on emotional regulation and bullying prevention among high school students in Bandung, Indonesia. Bullying remains a major concern in schools and is closely linked to emotional difficulties, poor coping skills, and limited empathy. Strengthening students' emotional regulation is an evidence-based strategy to reduce aggressive behaviors and promote safer school environments.

In this study, trained school nurses will deliver an integrated intervention consisting of sessions on identifying emotions, managing stress, developing empathy, communicating effectively, and resolving conflicts. The program is designed to help students better understand their emotions, control impulsive reactions, and build positive relationships with peers. These skills are expected to reduce the risk of bullying-both as perpetrators and as victims.

The research uses a quasi-experimental design involving two high schools in Bandung. One school will receive the nurse-led intervention, while the comparison school will continue routine school activities. Students who meet inclusion criteria and provide consent/assent will participate in pre- and post-intervention assessments. The primary outcome is improvement in emotional regulation scores. Secondary outcomes include bullying behavior, empathy, and student perceptions of the school climate.

All activities will follow ethical guidelines, including confidentiality, voluntary participation, and the right to withdraw at any time. The study seeks to provide evidence on how nurses can contribute to mental health promotion in schools and support sustainable, school-based bullying prevention strategies.