The relationship of bullying and physical violence to mental health and academic performance

Abstract

Background and objectivesBullying and physical violence are serious public health concerns witnessed during adolescence and are associated with several health and behavioral problems that can persist into adulthood. The relationship between bullying/physical violence and mental health/academic performance in Saudi Arabia is unknown. This study aims at filling this gap through identifying the association of these health risk behaviors and mental health and academic performance.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional national survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia between 2011 and 2012. Adolescents attending intermediate and secondary schools were invited to participate through a multi-stage, stratified, cluster random sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests to identify associations, and odds ratios were calculated.ResultsA total of 9073 students participated. Twenty-six percent of adolescents reported exposure to bullying in the preceding 30 days, and one out of every three adolescents reported exposure to physical violence at school during the past year. More males than females, and more older adolescents were exposed to bullying. Exposure to physical violence and bullying were both associated with higher odds of having more frequent symptoms of depression and anxiety. Those exposed to physical violence were at higher odds of having poorer academic performance.ConclusionBullying and physical violence among adolescent students in Saudi Arabia is prevalent and deserves special attention due to its harmful impact on the other aspects of students’ wellbeing.

Predictors of adolescents’ mental health problems in Saudi Arabia: findings from the Jeeluna® national study

“…Poor family relationships or conflictual interactions within a family environment, as well as the lack of affection and support are correlated with depressive symptoms [ 36 ], as it is with other risk behaviors, such as bullying and violence [ 14 ]. This was also shown in our study, where poor relationship with mother or father was found to be significant risk factors feeling so sad or hopeless and feeling worried among adolescents in the KSA.…”

“…Research on mental health problems including depression and anxiety among adolescents has found it to be associated with poor familial bonds [ 9 ], smoking [ 10 , 11 ], substance use [ 12 , 13 ], bullying and physical violence [ 14 ], suicide ideation and behavior [ 15 – 17 ], and other factors that have direct impact on adolescents’ health and wellbeing. Moreover, mental health problems during adolescence tend to persist into adulthood.…”

Reactions to Problematic Internet Use Among Adolescents: Inappropriate Physical and Mental Health Perspectives

“…The negative nature of these online activities can damage and distort adolescents' mental development (Kor et al, 2014;Arora, 2016;Lazuras et al, 2017). Many previous studies have indicated that cyberbullying, Internet pornography, and Internet fraud may negatively affect multiple aspects of adolescents' mental health and behavioral problems (Kor et al, 2014;AlBuhairan et al, 2017;Allen et al, 2017;Lazuras et al, 2017;Moreno-Fernández et al, 2017;Savage and Tokunaga, 2017).…”

Bullying in School

“…The results show that bullying is a significant problem in the three countries and is among the most common factors associated with low academic performance [31]. From Arab country, students who report being bullied have symptoms of depression and anxiety and poor academic performance [32].…”