Consequences of bullying victimization in childhood and adolescence: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

AIMTo identify health and psychosocial problems associated with bullying victimization and conduct a meta-analysis summarizing the causal evidence.METHODSA systematic review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, ERIC and PsycINFO electronic databases up to 28 February 2015. The study included published longitudinal and cross-sectional articles that examined health and psychosocial consequences of bullying victimization. All meta-analyses were based on quality-effects models. Evidence for causality was assessed using Bradford Hill criteria and the grading system developed by the World Cancer Research Fund.RESULTSOut of 317 articles assessed for eligibility, 165 satisfied the predetermined inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Statistically significant associations were observed between bullying victimization and a wide range of adverse health and psychosocial problems. The evidence was strongest for causal associations between bullying victimization and mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, poor general health and suicidal ideation and behaviours. Probable causal associations existed between bullying victimization and tobacco and illicit drug use.CONCLUSIONStrong evidence exists for a causal relationship between bullying victimization, mental health problems and substance use. Evidence also exists for associations between bullying victimization and other adverse health and psychosocial problems, however, there is insufficient evidence to conclude causality. The strong evidence that bullying victimization is causative of mental illness highlights the need for schools to implement effective interventions to address bullying behaviours.

Parents’ Responses to Coping with Bullying: Variations by Adolescents’ Self-Reported Victimization and Parents’ Awareness of Bullying Involvement

“…Prospective longitudinal and cross-sectional studies indicate that victims of bullying are more likely than non-victimized youth to report emotional distress, low self-esteem, symptoms of depression, social isolation, anxiety, and lower life satisfaction, as well as poor academic performance, school absenteeism, and suicidal ideation (Moore et al 2017;Wolke 2017). Given these risks, it is necessary to make effective intervention and prevention efforts to work with and attend to victimized students.…”

Impact of Bullying and Low Perceived Social Support on Ultra- High-Risk for Psychosis in Immigrant Adolescents: A Preliminary Study

“…When not focusing on immigrant children, scientific literature mostly agrees in considering bullying as one of the most relevant factor in childhood and adolescence for the development of emotional and behavioral problems as anxiety and depression (Moore et al, 2017) and for an increased risk of suicides (Kim YS & Leventhal B., 2008). Furthermore, in recent years, studies outlined also the relationship between childhood adversity (included bullying victimization) and the onset of psychotic symptoms in children and adolescents ( Horrevorts, Monshouwer, Wigman, & Vollerbergh, 2014;Lindgren, 2017).…”

The aggressive child

“…Children's behaviour is influenced by the school they attend and the neighbourhood in which they live . Children who are bullied by their peers are more likely to develop externalising aggressive behaviours . In general, adolescents befriend others with similar values and behaviours, so aggressive behaviours are often reinforced by selected friendships with others who are also aggressive.…”