Abstract
Bullying in pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) remains a prevalent phenomenon despite these institutions being rooted in religious and social values. This study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of adolescent pesantren students who were victims of bullying and diagnosed with PTSD, as well as to examine its impact on academic achievement and social functioning. This qualitative phenomenological study involved a 14-year-old male pesantren student who had experienced repeated physical and verbal bullying. Data were collected through in-depth interviews (three sessions), observations, and supporting questionnaires using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that the participant exhibited PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, excessive anxiety, social avoidance, and somatic symptoms such as neck pain, shortness of breath, and trembling. The academic impacts included reduced concentration, class absences, and a significant decline in academic performance. Maladaptive coping strategies included social withdrawal and reluctance to report bullying incidents to pesantren caregivers due to fear of retaliation. This study concluded that repeated bullying in pesantren may trigger PTSD and significantly affect academic performance and social functioning. Early detection of psychological disorders and comprehensive psychosocial interventions in pesantren are urgently needed.