A conceptual framework for understanding the association between school bullying victimization and substance misuse.

Abstract

This article reviews current research findings and presents a conceptual framework for better understanding the relationship between bullying victimization (hereafter referred to as victimization) and substance misuse (hereafter referred to as SM) among adolescents. Although victimization and SM may appear to be separate problems, research suggests an intriguing relationship between the two. We present a brief, empirical overview of the direct association between victimization and adolescent SM, followed by a proposed conceptual framework that includes co-occurring risk factors for victimization and SM within family, peer, and school/community contexts. Next, we discuss potential mediators linking victimization and SM, such as internalizing problems, traumatic stress, low academic performance, and school truancy/absence. We then identify potential moderating influences of age, gender/sex, social supports, and school connectedness that could amplify or abate the association between victimization and SM. Finally, we discuss practice and policy implications.

Bullying among urban Mexican-heritage youth: Exploring risk for substance use by status as a bully, victim, and bully-victim

“…In contrast, other research indicates bullies are more likely than bully-victims to engage in excessive drinking and other substances (Kaltiala-Heino et al, 2000). Furthermore, bullying victimization can pose risk for substance use directly (Radliff et al, 2013) or indirectly through its direct influence on internalizing problems (Hong, Davis, Sterzing, Yoon, Choi, & Smith, 2014). Prospective studies have found early involvement in bullying is linked to subsequent substance use as an adult (Min, Catalano, Haggerty, & Abbot, 2011; Niemela et al, 2011).…”

“…Prospective studies have found early involvement in bullying is linked to subsequent substance use as an adult (Min, Catalano, Haggerty, & Abbot, 2011; Niemela et al, 2011). Although the available research characterizes the linkages between bullying and substance use, less research has consistently offered a comparative perspective of risk based on status as a bully, victim, and bully-victim (Hong et al, 2014). …”

Peer Victimization, Depressive Symptoms, and Substance Use: A Longitudinal Analysis

“…11,12 Although these processes are understudied among youth, evidence suggests that internalizing problems, characterized by inhibition and negative mood states, plays a role in associations between peer victimization and substance use. 7,13,14 In particular, peer victimization may promote depressive symptoms, 15 -18 which, in turn, may lead to greater youth substance use. 19,20 Youth are typically at greatest risk of peer victimization during late childhood and early adolescence, with rates of victimization decreasing through the remainder of adolescence.…”

“…We therefore tested a longitudinal mediational model to determine whether peer victimization in the fifth grade is associated with a greater likelihood of substance use in the tenth grade via the mediator of depressive symptoms in the seventh grade. Given previous research on gender differences in peer victimization and substance use, 7 we further explored whether the model differed between boys and girls. A better understanding of the long-term implications of peer victimization on substance use, as well as the role of depressive symptoms in these associations, may inform pediatricians' efforts to address substance use among youth.…”

Trends in Bullying and Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties Among Pakistani Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Seven Cities

“…For example, victims of bullying were more likely to have a higher risk of depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, sleep disturbances, social isolation and feelings of loneliness (11)(12)(13)(14). Moreover, the prevalence of substance use including alcohol, nicotine and inhalants was reportedly higher among victims of bullying than non-victims (12, 15,16). The perpetration of bullying is also associated with externalizing symptoms such as aggression, truancy and delinquency (11)(12)(13)(14).…”