Is involvement in school bullying associated with general health and psychosocial adjustment outcomes in adulthood?

Abstract

The aim was to examine prospectively associations between bullying involvement at 14-15 years of age and self-reported general health and psychosocial adjustment in young adulthood, at 26-27 years of age. A large representative sample (N=2,464) was recruited and assessed in two counties in Mid-Norway in 1998 (T1) and 1999/2000 (T2) when the respondents had a mean age of 13.7 and 14.9, respectively, leading to classification as being bullied, bully-victim, being aggressive toward others or non-involved. Information about general health and psychosocial adjustment was gathered at a follow-up in 2012 (T4) (N=1,266) with a respondent mean age of 27.2. Logistic regression and ANOVA analyses showed that groups involved in bullying of any type in adolescence had increased risk for lower education as young adults compared to those non-involved. The group aggressive toward others also had a higher risk of being unemployed and receiving any kind of social help. Compared with the non-involved, those being bullied and bully-victims had increased risk of poor general health and high levels of pain. Bully-victims and those aggressive toward others during adolescence subsequently had increased risk of tobacco use and lower job functioning than non-involved. Further, those being bullied and aggressive toward others had increased risk of illegal drug use. Relations to live-in spouse/partner were poorer among those being bullied. Involvement in bullying, either as victim or perpetrator, has significant social costs even 12 years after the bullying experience. Accordingly, it will be important to provide early intervention for those involved in bullying in adolescence.

The mediating role of shame in the relationship between childhood bullying victimization and adult psychosocial adjustment

“…This study adds to our knowledge base by illustrating how childhood victims of bullying report problems with seeking social support in adulthood as they believe that they might be overburdening their friends with their problems, feel that others will not understand them, or believe that their friends have enough to deal with and are tired of hearing about their problems. This is in accordance with recent research documenting poorer social relations in adulthood for victims of bullying (Day et al, 2016; Sigurdson et al, 2014). The high correlation between social support barriers, impaired functioning, and psychological distress (shown in Figure 1) indicate that these factors are interrelated and that the consequences of bullying are non-specific and may impede multiple areas of functioning that potentially hinder successful adjustment to adulthood.…”

“…These findings emphasize that, although the bullying victimization may have ended, some victims may report poor mental health and struggle with adjusting to young adulthood in terms of problems managing daily chores, student life, work, and social life. This is consistent with previous studies documenting similar long-lasting effects (Sansone et al, 2013; Sigurdson et al, 2014; Strøm et al, 2013; Strøm, Thoresen, Wentzel-Larsen, Sagatun, & Dyb, 2014; Varhama & Björkqvist, 2005; Wolke et al, 2013). …”

“…Childhood violence researchers have begun to explore adverse effects beyond health, such as impaired functioning and social relationships, a development that has just begun within bullying research. The few studies that have investigated bullying victimization and broader aspects of psychosocial adjustment have shown that the consequences last well into adulthood in terms of impaired functioning, such as problems with doing housework and managing money (Laditka & Laditka, 2017), reduced levels of education (Sigurdson, Wallander, & Sund, 2014; Strøm et al, 2013), and problems with work (Sansone, Leung, & Wiederman, 2013; Strøm, 2014; Varhama & Björkqvist, 2005). These are important findings as we need to understand the impact of bullying on a diverse range of adult adjustment outcomes.…”

“…They experience more rejection and feel less accepted by peers (Cullerton-Sen & Crick, 2005; Veenstra et al, 2007). Not surprisingly, they may have trouble forming new social relationships during the transition to young adulthood and experience more loneliness, less social support, a lower likelihood of having a live-in partner, and poorer family functioning in adulthood (Day et al, 2016; Sigurdson et al, 2014). Wolke et al (2013) found that victims of bullying were at increased risk for problems with finances, health, and social relationships in adulthood, even when controlling for other adversity, including childhood violence.…”

Long-Term Effects of Bullying

“…56 Furthermore, victims were at increased risk for displaying psychotic experiences at age 18 8 and having suicidal ideation, attempts and completed suicides. 56 Victims were also reported to have poor general health, 65 including more bodily pain, headaches and slower recovery from illnesses. 57 Moreover, victimised children were found to have lower educational qualifications, be worse at financial management 57 and to earn less than their peers even at age 50.…”