Victimization from mental and physical bullying and substance use in early adolescence

Peer bullying victimization in adolescence is associated with substance use: cross-sectional findings from French high school students

The relationships between peer bullying victimization in adolescence and substance use have been poorly studied. Thus, we examined the associations between peer bullying victimization and tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use in 496 French high school students. Peer bullying victimization was measured with a 17-item standardized assessment and analyzed as quartiles. Tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use were assessed with the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) and the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST), respectively. Total scores at the HONC (0 to 10), AUDIT-C (0 to 12), and CAST (0 to 24) were used as dependent variables in generalized linear models, adjusting for sex, age, prepared graduation, last school marks and friends outside high school. Compared to the first quartile (i.e., the least bullied students), those from the second, third and fourth quartiles had significant increase of the AUDIT-C (B = 0.78 [95%CI 0.17-1.40] with p = 0.013; B = 0.86 [95%CI 0.26;1.46] with p = 0.005 and B = 1.00 [95%CI 0.38;1.62] with p = 0.002, respectively), with dose-dependent relationships (B = 0.33 ([95%CI 0.13; 0.52] with p = 0.001). Those from the fourth quartile had a significant increase of the CAST (B = 2.13[95%CI 1.25;3.01], p < 0.001). When examining the role of peer bullying victimization on the number of substances used, there were significant increased odds for students from the third and fourth quartiles, with dose-dependent relationships (OR = 1.24 [95% CI 1.07;1.44], p = 0.005). These findings encourage paying a particular attention to substance use in students who report being bullied. Consequently, information and prevention using standardized screening tools should be proposed. Conversely, substance use could be an indicator of peer bullying victimization and should thus be explored.

High School Teacher Bullying and Student Risk Behavior

PURPOSE

Although the harmful outcomes of peer bullying are well-established, the effects of bullying by teachers are less understood. Teacher bullying occurs when a teacher uses their authority to punish or disparage a student beyond appropriate discipline.

METHODS

This study investigated the prevalence of teacher bullying and its relationship with student risk-taking behaviors in a sample of 106,865 high school students who completed a statewide school climate survey. Students were classified into four groups: no bullying (91%), only peer bullying (4%), only teacher bullying (4%), and both peer and teacher bullying (2%).

RESULTS

Logistic regression results indicated that all victimization groups were more likely to participate in risk behaviors (substance use, weapon carrying, fighting, suicidal ideation, and attempts) than nonbullied peers, and students bullied by both peers and teachers were at greatest jeopardy of participation.

DISCUSSION

These results support greater attention to teacher bullying in antibullying efforts.

Youth Aggression and Peer Victimization as Predictors of Adolescent Alcohol and Marijuana Use: A Longitudinal Analysis of Youth with Aggressive Behavior Problems

Youth who are behaviorally aggressive and victimized by their peers comprise a significant population with specific risks and vulnerabilities relative to substance use. The goals of the current study were to examine the roles that youth aggression and peer victimization play in determining the timing of alcohol and marijuana use initiation and the frequency of use 5-years later in a sample of at-risk, aggressive youth. 360 youth (Mage= 10.17 years; 65% boys, 35% girls; 78.1% African American, 20.3% Caucasian, 1.4% Hispanic, and 0.3% other) recruited for a prevention program for at-risk youth were followed for 5 years (4th - 9th grade). Cox PH regressions were conducted to predict timing of alcohol and marijuana use initiation. Zero-inflated negative binomial regressions were used to predict frequency of alcohol and marijuana use 5 years later. Results showed that peer victimization inferred decreased risk of alcohol use initiation. However, this effect was only observed for youth with relatively moderate, and low levels of aggression. Findings suggest that differences in youth aggression and victimization interact to predict distinct outcomes, suggesting the need for a more comprehensive approach when working with aggressive youth who have experienced peer victimization.

Victimization and cybervictimization: The role of school factors

INTRODUCTION

Victimization and cybervictimization can negatively affect the subjective experience of well-being. This effect can be mediated by school factors, even if a deep understanding of these factors still needs to be determined. The present study examined how peer network, teacher support, and school connectedness mediated the relationship between victimization, cybervictimization, and well-being. We developed two mediation models, considering victimization (Model 1) and cybervictimization (Model 2) as predictors, well-being as the outcome, peer network, teacher support, and school connectedness as parallel mediators, and gender as a covariate variable.

METHODS

The sample comprised 563 Italian students (Mage = 11.5; 45% females). Students filled out a purpose-built questionnaire investigating victimization and cybervictimization, peer network, teacher support, school connectedness, and well-being. Two multiple mediation models were run using Process.

RESULTS

The two models showed similar patterns [Model 1: F(8, 169) = 34.35, p ≤ .001, R2 = .34; Model 2: F(8, 169) = 40.13, p ≤ .001, R2 = .34]. Indeed, victimization (Model 1) and cybervictimization (Model 2) had negative significant effects on peer network, teacher support, and school connectedness. However, their direct effects on well-being were not significant, as peer network and school connectedness emerged as complete mediators between victimization (Model 1) and cybervictimization (Model 2) and well-being. Males displayed higher levels of well-being compared to females.

CONCLUSIONS

Peer network and school connectedness play a crucial role in mediating the impact of victimization and cybervictimization on well-being. Educators and policymakers should prioritize fostering supportive peer network and strengthening school connectedness to create an environment that mitigates the negative effects of victimization and cybervictimization, enhancing overall student well-being.

Bullying Victimization and Associations With Substance Use Among US Middle School Students: 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey

BACKGROUND

Research shows associations between bullying victimization and substance use for teens. However, more research about this relationship for younger adolescents and across race/ethnicity is needed.

METHODS

Prevalence and pooled logistic regression analyses of 2019 Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from 13 states (N = 74,059 students) examined associations between self-reported bulling victimization (at school, electronically, and both) and having ever tried cigarette smoking, alcohol, or marijuana; used an electronic vapor product; or misused prescription pain medicine. Regression analyses were adjusted by age and sex/race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

All 3 measures of bullying victimization were significantly associated (p < .05) with the 5 substance use behaviors examined (adjusted prevalence ratios ranged from 1.29 to 2.32). These associations held across sexes. Significant associations were found within all 7 race/ethnicity categories, with the most associations reported for the non-Hispanic (NH) white, NH black or African American, Hispanic/Latino, and NH Asian groups.

CONCLUSION

The association between bullying and substance use by middle school is a highly relevant issue to consider as students return to classrooms.

Problematic alcohol use in young adults exposed to childhood trauma: The Trøndelag Health (HUNT) Study

Problematic alcohol use (PAU) severely impacts the health, functioning, and long-term prospects of young people. Prior research indicates that childhood trauma exposure may be an important risk factor for PAU, but few longitudinal studies have looked at how specific trauma types influence this risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between childhood trauma exposure and PAU in a large, population-based cohort of young people. The study sample included 1,913 adolescents who participated in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) between 2006 and 2008 (age range: 12-20) and completed follow-up 10 years later as young adults (age range: 22-32). The results revealed an increased risk of PAU in young adults exposed to childhood trauma, especially direct physical violence, OR = 2.38, [95% CI 1.56, 3.64]. Young adults who had witnessed violence, OR = 1.55, [95% CI 1.11, 2.17], or experienced an accident, disaster, or other traumatic event, OR = 1.60, [95% CI 1.19, 2.15], also had higher odds of PAU compared to those without such experiences. These associations remained consistent after adjusting for symptoms of headaches and pain as well as posttraumatic and general psychological distress as reported by the participants in adolescence. Future prevention efforts targeting PAU among adolescents and young adults should address violence and other trauma exposure as potential drivers of problematic drinking.

Personality-specific pathways from bullying victimization to adolescent alcohol use: a multilevel longitudinal moderated mediation analysis

Bullying victimization is common in adolescence and has been associated with a broad variety of psychopathology and alcohol use. The present study assessed time-varying associations between bullying victimization and alcohol use through internalizing and externalizing symptoms and whether this indirect association throughout time is moderated by personality. This 5-year longitudinal study (3,800 grade 7 adolescents) used Bayesian multilevel moderated mediation models: independent variable was bullying victimization; moderators were four personality dimensions (anxiety sensitivity, hopelessness, impulsivity, and sensation seeking); internalizing symptoms (anxiety, depressive symptoms) and externalizing symptoms (conduct, hyperactivity problems) were the mediators; and alcohol use, the outcome. Results indicated significant between, within, and lagged effects on alcohol use through internalizing and externalizing symptoms. There were significant between and within effects on alcohol use through internalizing symptoms for adolescents with high anxiety sensitivity and hopelessness, and significant between, within, and lagged effects on alcohol use through externalizing symptoms for adolescents with high impulsivity and sensation seeking. These findings implicate two risk pathways that account for how bullying victimization enhances alcohol use risk and emphasize the importance of personality profiles that can shape the immediate and long-term consequences of victimization.

The Role of Empathy in Alcohol Use of Bullying Perpetrators and Victims: Lower Personal Empathic Distress Makes Male Perpetrators of Bullying More Vulnerable to Alcohol Use

Bullying often results in negative coping in victims, including an increased consumption of alcohol. Recently, however, an increase in alcohol use has also been reported among perpetrators of bullying. The factors triggering this pattern are still unclear. We investigated the role of empathy in the interaction between bullying and alcohol use in an adolescent sample (IMAGEN) at age 13.97 (±0.53) years (baseline (BL), N = 2165, 50.9% female) and age 16.51 (±0.61) years (follow-up 1 (FU1), N = 1185, 54.9% female). General empathic distress served as a significant moderator of alcohol use in perpetrators (F9, 493 = 17.978, p < 0.01), which was specific for males and FU1. Male perpetrators, who are generally less sensitive to distress, might thus be more vulnerable to alcohol abuse.

Longitudinal associations between traditional and cyberbullying victimization and depressive symptoms among young Chinese: A mediation analysis

BACKGROUND

The impacts of bullying victimization on psychological health are long-lasting. However, the longitudinal mediating processes of the association between being bullied (traditionally and in a cyber context) and depressive symptoms of Chinese youth remain underexplored, including across the sexes.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the longitudinal association between bullying victimization and depressive symptoms, including the mediating effects of physical health, healthy lifestyles, sleep quality, and academic achievements. Different pathways from traditional bullying and cyberbullying victimization regarding depressive symptoms were also explored, with a comparison across the sexes.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Data were obtained from the China Education Panel Survey, and ninth graders aged approximately 15 years constituted the baseline cohort.

METHODS

The baseline data and longitudinal data at two- and five-year follow-ups, respectively, were evaluated to estimate structural equation models.

RESULTS

Baseline traditional bullying and cyberbullying victimization significantly predicted subsequent depressive symptoms at both follow-ups (P < 0.001). Being bullied also predicted worse healthy lifestyles, poorer sleep quality, and lower academic achievements (P < 0.05), all significantly correlated with the development of depressive symptoms (P < 0.001) regarding both bullying victimizations. Physical health was the mediator of the traditional bullying victimization-depressive symptoms linkage (P < 0.05). Female victims have a relatively higher risk of depression versus male victims, with different mediating pathways from victimization to depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings strengthen the evidence of a longitudinal association between bullying victimization and depressive symptoms, provide new explanations for mechanisms of mediation, and highlight the importance of long-term comprehensive mental health interventions for victims of bullying.

Socioeconomic Differences in the Association Between Bullying Behaviors and Mental Health in Canadian Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Bullying and poverty are each associated with poor health in adolescents. We examined socioeconomic differences in the association of bullying and health.

METHODS

The 2017/2018 Canadian Health Behaviour of School-aged Children study surveyed 21,750 youth (9-18 years). We used linear regression models to investigate interactive effects of bullying involvement (traditional and cyberbullying) and socioeconomic position (SEP) on self-reported life satisfaction, psychological symptoms, and physical symptoms.

RESULTS

Involvement in either form of bullying, as a perpetrator or a target, was associated with worse health and well-being compared to uninvolved youths. Associations of victimization via conventional bullying with low life satisfaction (b = -.33 [-.61, .05]), more psychological symptoms (b = .83 [.27, 1.38]), and more somatic symptoms (b = .56 [.14, .98]) were stronger at lower SEP.

CONCLUSION

Socioeconomic disadvantage intensifies the association between bullying victimization and poor health. The intersections of victimization and poverty pose a significant health risk to adolescents.

Association between Sexual Violence Victimization and Electronic Vaping Product Use among Adolescents: Findings from a Population-based Study

BACKGROUND

Although studies have investigated the association between sexual violence (SV) victimization and substance use, few studies have examined the association between SV victimization and electronic vaping product (EVP) use among adolescents in the United States. The objective of this study was to examine the cross-sectional association between SV victimization and EVP use among adolescents.

METHODS

Data were pooled from the 2017 and 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. An analytic sample of 28,135 adolescents (51.2% female) was analyzed using binary logistic regression. The outcome variable investigated was EVP use, and the main explanatory variable was SV victimization.

RESULTS

Of the 28,135 adolescents, the prevalence of past 30-day EVP use and SV victimization was 22.7% and 10.8%, respectively. Controlling for other factors, adolescents who experienced SV had 1.52 times higher odds of being EVP users when compared to their counterparts who did not experience SV (AOR = 1.52, p < .001, 95% CI = 1.27-1.82). Other factors associated with EVP use included cyberbullying victimization, symptoms of depression, and current use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana.

CONCLUSIONS

Experiencing SV was associated with EVP use. Future studies that employ longitudinal designs may offer more insight into the mechanisms underlying the association between SV victimization and EVP use. In addition, school-based interventions that focus on sexual violence prevention and reducing substance use among adolescents are warranted.

Does #Tamojunto alter the dynamic between drug use and school violence among youth? Secondary analysis from a large cluster-randomized trial

The present study investigated how intervention might alter the relationship between perpetrating violence and later drug use. A cluster-randomized controlled trial design involving 72 schools (38 intervention, 34 control) and 6390 students attending grades 7 and 8 was employed in Brazil. Drug use and violence were assessed at three points. A random-intercept cross-lagged panel model examined the reciprocal association between drug use and school violence domains across the three data collection waves. For both groups, we found that the cross-lagged effect of perpetration on further drug use in adolescents was stronger than the reverse, but the interrelationship was not statistically significant between #Tamojunto and control schools. The carry-over effects of drug use and violence were also not significantly different between groups. There is a lack of evidence showing that #Tamojunto can modify the dynamics between drug use and school violence across the 21-month period. The direction of the causal effect (i.e., the more perpetration behavior, the more subsequent drug use behavior) is present, but weak in both groups. The trial registration protocol at the national Brazilian Register of Clinical Trials (REBEC) is #RBR-4mnv5g.

Examining the relationships between cyberbullying, relational victimization, and family support on depressive symptoms and substance use among adolescents

The present study examined whether cyberbullying, relational victimization, and family support were associated with depressive symptoms and substance use among adolescents (N = 1232). A path analysis revealed that cyberbullying, relational victimization, and family support were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Also, cyberbullying and relational victimization was positively related to substance use, whereas family support was not statistically predictive of substance use. This study highlights preventive interventions for cyberbullying, relational victimization, and family support in schools and families.

Resilience to social defeat stress in adolescent male mice

Adverse social experiences during adolescence are associated with the appearance of mental illness in adulthood. Social defeat (SD) is an ethologically valid murine model to study the consequences of social stress. In adolescent mice, SD induces depressive-like behaviors, increased anxiety and potentiates the reinforcing effects of cocaine and alcohol. However, not all mice exposed to SD will be susceptible to these effects. Adult mice resilient to the effects of SD show a consistent phenotype being resilient to depressive-like behaviors and to the increase in cocaine and alcohol consumption. The aim of the present study was to characterize the resilient phenotype to depressive-like behaviors and increase cocaine and ethanol rewarding effects of mice socially defeated during adolescence. To that end, adolescent mice were exposed to repeated SD, and 24 h after the last encounter, they underwent a social interaction test (SIT) in order to evaluate depressive-like behaviors. Cocaine-induced reward conditioning and ethanol intake was evaluated in two different sets of mice 3 weeks after the last SD using cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and oral ethanol self-administration (SA). The neuroinflammation response was measured at the end of the experimental procedure by measuring striatal and cortical levels of IL-6 and CX3CL1. The results confirmed that a comparable percentage of adolescent mice develop resilience to depressive-like behaviors to that observed in adult mice. However, increased anxiety was more severe in resilient mice. Likewise, an increased preference for an ineffective dose of cocaine and an increased ethanol consumption was observed in resilient mice compared to controls. The increase in IL-6 and CX3CL1 was mainly observed in the striatum of susceptible mice compared to that of control mice. Our results confirm that, contrary to prior assumptions in adults, responses to SD stress are more complex and singular in adolescents, and caution should be taken for the correct interpretation and translation of those phenotypes.

Bullying victimization and nicotine and marijuana vaping among Florida adolescents

PURPOSE

Previous research links bullying victimization with the use of illicit substances in adolescence. In addition, recent research has linked bullying victimization with vaping. Very limited research, however, has explored how different forms of bullying may be linked with nicotine and marijuana vaping specifically.

PROCEDURES

This study addresses this gap in the literature by utilizing logistic regression to examine the relationships between verbal, physical, and cyber bullying victimization and nicotine and marijuana vaping in a sample of Florida adolescents.

FINDINGS

Our findings reveal that all three forms of bullying victimization are linked with recent nicotine vaping, and these associations differ somewhat by youth gender. In addition, our findings indicate that cyber bullying victimization is linked with marijuana vaping.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our findings suggest that bullying victimization is linked with greater odds of vaping activity in adolescents. The implications of these findings for future research and policy are discussed.

Racial/Ethnic Bullying Subtypes and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana Use Among US Adolescents

BACKGROUND

The study examines the rate of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use among White, African American, and Latino adolescents and whether racial/ethnic bullying subtypes (victim-only, bullies-only, and bully/victim) are related to alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use.

METHODS

We used data from the 2009-2010 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (n = 9863) to examine differences in alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use among White, African American, and Latino adolescents in the USA, and assessed whether racial/ethnic bullying involvement was associated with alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use among these adolescents. Adolescents were categorized into four groups based on whether they had experienced racial bullying perpetration, victimization, both perpetration, and victimization, or neither perpetration nor victimization. Descriptive statistics were conducted to examine the distributions of the study variables and describe the samples. Spearman's rank-order correlation analyses were used to examine the relationships among the variables. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use among the racial bully victimization, perpetration, and victimization-perpetration groups compared to the non-involved group by race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

The White victim-only group was more likely to use alcohol but less likely to use tobacco. The African American victim-only group was more likely to use alcohol, and the bully/victim group was more likely to use marijuana. The Latino victim-only group was more likely to use alcohol, whereas the bully/victim group was more likely to use tobacco.

CONCLUSION

Our findings have implications for the development and implementation of prevention and intervention programs across different racial/ethnic adolescent groups.

Subtypes of Bullying and Types of Substance Use among Urban African American Adolescents: Who Is Likely to Use What?

The present study examined the types of drugs likely to be used by bullies, victims, and bully/victims. Participants comprise African American adolescents from three high schools, one youth church group, two community youth programs, and four public venues in low-income communities in Chicago's Southside. A series of logistic regression analyses and latent class analyses were employed. Victims are likely to use alcohol, marijuana, and lean/krokodil. Bullies were likely to use alcohol and marijuana. Bully/victims were not at risk of any of the substances. Our LCA findings revealed a lower occurrence of substance use among victims although 30% used alcohol and marijuana; more than half of bullies showed high levels of alcohol, marijuana, and lean/krokodil use; a diverse pattern of drug use was shown among bully/victims although their lean/krokodil and crack/cocaine use was higher than other subgroups of bullying. The drugs of choice for African American bullies, victims, or bully/victims are variable.

Heterosexist Bullying Victimization and Perpetration and Substance Use Among Heterosexual Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Although heterosexist bullying mainly affects sexual minority adolescents, heterosexual adolescents may also be targets. Research is needed to understand the impact of heterosexist bullying victimization on heterosexual adolescents' behavioral health. Moreover, there is a dearth of research examining the negative consequences of perpetrating heterosexist bullying among heterosexual adolescents. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between heterosexist bullying victimization and perpetration and substance use in a racially diverse sample of heterosexual adolescents.

METHODS

A probability sample of middle and high school heterosexual students (N = 2,337; aged 11-19; 52.7% female; 35.9% Black or African American and 31.9% White) using random cluster methods was obtained from a southeastern US school district. Multiple logistic regression models were used to test the relationships between experiencing and perpetrating heterosexist bullying and substance use while accounting for sociodemographics.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 7.1% reported heterosexist bullying victimization and 7.8% reported perpetration of heterosexist bullying. Of those engaging in heterosexist bullying, 29.5% also experienced it as a victim. Perpetrating heterosexist bullying was associated with greater odds of recent and lifetime alcohol, cigarette, e-cigarette, cannabis, and prescription drug use. Heterosexist bullying victimization was only associated with recent and lifetime cigarette use and lifetime e-cigarette use.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate the negative correlates of heterosexist bullying victimization and perpetration on heterosexual adolescents' substance use. The findings underscore the need to address sexual stigma, such as heterosexist bullying, among not only adolescents experiencing it but also its perpetrators to help reduce substance use among all adolescents.

Friend of the Devil: Negative Social Influences Driving Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders in humans have significant social influences, both positive and negative. While prosocial behaviors promote group cooperation and are naturally rewarding, distressing social encounters, such as aggression exhibited by a conspecific, are aversive and can enhance the sensitivity to rewarding substances, promote the acquisition of drug-taking, and reinstate drug-seeking. On the other hand, withdrawal and prolonged abstinence from drugs of abuse can promote social avoidance and suppress social motivation, accentuating drug cravings and facilitating relapse. Understanding how complex social states and experiences modulate drug-seeking behaviors as well as the underlying circuit dynamics, such as those interacting with mesolimbic reward systems, will greatly facilitate progress on understanding triggers of drug use, drug relapse and the chronicity of substance use disorders. Here we discuss some of the common circuit mechanisms underlying social and addictive behaviors that may underlie their antagonistic functions. We also highlight key neurochemicals involved in social influences over addiction that are frequently identified in comorbid psychiatric conditions. Finally, we integrate these data with recent findings on (±)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) that suggest functional segregation and convergence of social and reward circuits that may be relevant to substance use disorder treatment through the competitive nature of these two types of reward. More studies focused on the relationship between social behavior and addictive behavior we hope will spur the development of treatment strategies aimed at breaking vicious addiction cycles.

Adolescent social isolation induced alterations in nucleus accumbens glutamate signalling

Exposure to adversity during early childhood and adolescence increases an individual's vulnerability to developing substance use disorder. Despite the knowledge of this vulnerability, the mechanisms underlying it are still poorly understood. Excitatory afferents to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) mediate responses to both stressful and rewarding stimuli. Understanding how adolescent social isolation alters these afferents could inform the development of targeted interventions both before and after drug use. Here, we used social isolation rearing as a model of early life adversity which we have previously demonstrated increases vulnerability to cocaine addiction-like behaviour. The current study examined the effect of social isolation rearing on presynaptic glutamatergic transmission in NAc medium spiny neurons in both male and female mice. We show that social isolation rearing alters presynaptic plasticity in the NAc by decreasing the paired-pulse ratio and the size of the readily releasable pool of glutamate. Optogenetically activating the glutamatergic input from the ventral hippocampus to the NAc is sufficient to recapitulate the decreases in paired-pulse ratio and readily releasable pool size seen following electrical stimulation of all NAc afferents. Further, optogenetically inhibiting the ventral hippocampal afferent during electrical stimulation eliminates the effect of early life adversity on the paired-pulse ratio or readily releasable pool size. In summary, we demonstrate that social isolation rearing leads to alterations in glutamate transmission driven by projections from the ventral hippocampus. These data suggest that targeting the circuit from the ventral hippocampus to the nucleus accumbens could provide a means to reverse stress-induced plasticity.

Associations between having been threatened or injured with a weapon and substance use and mental health among high school students in the United States

Being threatened or injured with a weapon is a serious form of physical bullying. Little is known about the effects of being threatened or injured with a weapon on substance use and mental health among adolescents. A secondary analysis of 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data assessed the associations between having been threatened or injured with a weapon and substance use (binge drinking, marijuana, tobacco use, prescription medication misuse) and mental health (feeling sad or hopeless, considering suicide). Multiple logistic regression models with complex survey weights were used, controlling for potential confounders. Approximately 6.0% of students reported having been threatened/injured with a weapon. After adjusting for covariates, having been threatened/injured with a weapon was associated with binge drinking (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.9-3.4), marijuana (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.6-2.7), tobacco use (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 2.0-3.5), and misuse of prescription medication (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.6-3.0) compared with students who have not been threatened/injured. Having been threatened/injured with a weapon was associated with 1.6 times the odds (95% CI: 1.2-2.2) of feeling sad/hopeless and 1.7 times the odds (95% CI: 1.3-2.3) of considering suicide. Having been threatened or injured with a weapon is an important public health issue associated with negative mental health and substance use.

Exploring Whether Talking With Parents, Siblings, and Friends Moderates the Association Between Peer Victimization and Adverse Psychosocial Outcomes

The purpose of this study is to explore whether talking with parents, siblings, and friends will moderate the association between peer victimization and adverse outcomes (internalizing problems, alcohol/tobacco use, and delinquent friend affiliation). Data were derived from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children, 2009 to 2010 cohort study in the United States (n = 12,642). Bivariate, logistic regression and ordinal least squares regression analyses were conducted. Peer victimization was found to be associated with all the adverse outcomes. Although ease of talking with parents had a lower likelihood of alcohol/tobacco use, it increased alcohol/tobacco risk when peer victimization increased. Ease of talking with friends showed a higher likelihood of alcohol/tobacco use, but the likelihood was lower when peer victimization increased. Ease of talking with parents and ease of talking with friends both lowered the likelihood of delinquent friend affiliation; however, ease of talking with parents increased the risk of delinquent friend affiliation when peer victimization increased. Moreover, ease of talking with friends decreased the risk of internalizing problems, although it increased the risk of such behaviors when peer victimization increased. Talking with siblings did not buffer the association between peer victimization and adverse outcomes. Implications for practice are also discussed.

Association Between Bully Victimization and Vaping Among Texas High School Students

INTRODUCTION

Bullying and vaping among adolescents in Texas is a major public health concern. Bully victimization has been associated with substance use in adolescents; however, research examining the association between bully victimization and vaping in adolescents is sparse. This study aims to examine the independent association between bully victimization and vaping among Texas high school students.

METHODS

Pooled data from the 2017 and 2019 Texas Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N=3,486) were analyzed in July 2020. Past-year bully victimization was categorized into 4 mutually exclusive groups: no bully victimization, school bully victimization only, cyberbully victimization only, and both school bully and cyberbully victimization. Current vape use was measured as a binary variable. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association.

RESULTS

In the total sample, the past-year prevalence of school bully victimization only, cyberbully victimization only, and both school bully and cyberbully victimization was 8.3%, 4.6%, and 7.7%, respectively. Approximately 1 in 7 students (14.5%) reported vaping during the past 30 days. Female students who experienced both school bullying and cyberbullying had 68% greater odds of vaping than female students who did not experience bullying (AOR=1.68, 95% CI=1.02, 3.41). Bully victimization was not significantly associated with vaping in male students.

CONCLUSIONS

Female Texas high school students who are victims of both school bullying and cyberbullying have a greater likelihood of vaping. Healthcare providers, school counselors, and educators should be aware of the association and sex differences that exist while developing intervention programs to address bullying and vaping in high school students.

A network examination of risky behaviours in a state-level and national epidemiological sample of high school students

AIM

Engagement in risky behaviours, including substance use, disordered eating, suicidal behaviour, and peer victimization/violence, during adolescence is becoming increasingly prevalent. These risky behaviours are highly comorbid and associated with long-term consequences for health, relationships, and socioeconomic status, representing an important public health concern. Past research has primarily investigated risky behaviours in adolescence using latent variable models, which are based on assumptions that may limit insight into the complex reality of these behaviours.

METHODS

The current study uses network analysis to examine adolescent substance use, disordered eating, suicide risk, and peer victimization/violence in a national (N = 29 008) and state-level (Kentucky; N = 3455) epidemiological dataset. We calculated central and bridge symptoms and compared network structure based on demographic factors (race, sex, grade) and sample (state vs. nation).

RESULTS

The most central symptoms were suicidal ideation and attempts, stimulant drug use, and prescription drug misuse. The most central bridge symptoms were depression, methamphetamine use, peer violence, and suicide attempts. There were no differences in network structure between samples or across demographic factors in the Kentucky sample. There were differences in network structure across sex and race in the national dataset.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest stimulant use, suicidal ideation, depression, and peer violence may contribute to the high rates and co-occurrence of risky behaviours in adolescence. Based on network theory, these symptoms may represent important targets for intervention. Due to network differences, special considerations may be necessary to adapt such interventions to meet the needs of students from different backgrounds.

From Bully Victimization to Aggressive Behavior: Applying the Problem Behavior Theory, Theory of Stress and Coping, and General Strain Theory to Explore Potential Pathways

Studies have documented that some bully victims fall into a subcategory of bullying called "bully victims" in which the victim becomes the aggressor. However, studies to date have not examined the pathways linking bully victimization and aggressive behavior. To address this research gap, this study applies the problem behavior theory, theory of stress and coping, and general strain theory to explore possible pathways from bully victimization to aggressive behavior by examining the mediating effects of low life satisfaction, drug use, and exposure to peer deviance. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the path model from a sample of 1,676 adolescents, aged 13 to 17 years. Data were derived from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) survey. Findings revealed that bully victimization was positively associated with aggressive behavior. Moreover, bully victims displayed lower levels of life satisfaction. In addition, bully victims who were frequently exposed to peer deviance and drug use were likely to engage in bullying. These findings support the problem behavior theory and general strain theory and have implications for research, practice, and policy.

Bullying patterns and their associations with child maltreatment and adolescent psychosocial problems

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed 1) to identify underlying heterogeneous patterns of bully-victim; 2) to examine whether the different types of child maltreatment predict the patterns of bully-victim; and 3) to investigate the association between patterns of bully-victim and adolescent psychosocial problems (depression, trouble at school, and substance use).

METHODS

This study included a sample of 1139 (48.7% girls, 53.4% Black) drawn from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Children's self-reported bullying victimization at age 9 was used using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics Child Development Supplement III. Teacher's reported bullying perpetration at age 9 was used using Social Skills Rating System. Child maltreatment types were assessed at age 5 using the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale Coding. At age 15, adolescent depression was measured using modified Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale; trouble at school was measured using modified Add Health In-School Questionnaire; and self-reported substance use was used.

RESULTS

Latent class analysis produced four classes: bully-victim (19.8%), victim (16.3%), no bully-victim (38.9%), and bully (24.9%). Individuals who have been neglected are more likely to be in the victim class compared to all other classes. Physical abuse to be at heightened risk of involvement in the bully-victim, compared to victim class. Additionally, individuals in the victim group are greater risk for depression, problems at school, and alcohol, as compared to those in the other classes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study augments the knowledge base on bully/victim, child maltreatment, and behavioral health outcomes and elucidates several suggestions for research and policy.

Gender, Bullying Victimization, Depressive Symptoms, and Suicidality

Bullying victimization can have serious consequences for adolescents. This article examines the association between traditional and cyberbullying victimization, depressive symptoms, and suicidality in a national school-based sample, utilizing general strain theory (GST) as a guide to how these variables might relate to each other. We additionally examine whether the associations between these variables differ by gender. Results suggest that traditional and cyberbullying victimization have significant, positive associations with both depressive symptoms and suicidality. Results are partly supportive of the full model suggested by GST, with the associations between bullying and suicidality being weakened in some models when accounting for depressive symptoms. Gender differences also emerge. These findings are discussed in relation to their relevance for policy and theory.

Bullying Victimization Among Left-Behind Children in Rural China: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors

Bullying victimization among Chinese school-aged children has recently been recognized as a serious problem. However, studies on the prevalence and correlates of bullying victimization among left-behind children-whose parents live and work in urban areas while they remain at home in a rural area-have fallen far behind. We conducted a study based on one representative sample of 742 left-behind children in Grades 6 to 10 from rural China in 2010. The results indicate that a total of 31.6% of the left-behind children report recurrent bullying victimization, which is higher than that of their rural counterparts who live with their parents. Furthermore, left-behind children who experience bullying victimization are more likely to report being drunk frequently, poorer peer and family relationships, and academic problems. Future bullying prevention and intervention programs should be designed to meet the special needs of left-behind children.

Association between bullying victimization and e-cigarette use among German students

This study examined the association between bullying victimization and e-cigarette use. Data from a 2019-2020 German student survey were used (N = 16,476). The target population consisted of students enrolled in grades 5-10, with a mean age of 13.1 years (SD = 1.8), and equal gender distribution (49.5% female). Mixed-effect multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between bullying victimization (attacked physically, assaulted verbally, experienced relational bullying, sexual harassment, cyberbullying) and current e-cigarette use. The multivariable analysis controlled for age, sex, sensation-seeking, socioeconomic status, school performance, type of school attended, and substance use (current cigarette smoking, hookah smoking, and alcohol drinking). Overall 510 (3.7%) students reported current use of e-cigarettes. The odds for using e-cigarettes increased each step of being bullied from "never," "rarely," "sometimes," "once a week," to "several times a week" by 2.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.81, 2.29) in the unadjusted model, and by 1.46 (95% CI: 1.24, 1.71) in the covariate-adjusted model. Data indicate an empirical association between victimization and e-cigarette use among German students. Design limitations prevent the conclusion of a causal relationship, calling for well-designed longitudinal studies to investigate the temporal sequence between victimization and e-cigarette use.

Adolescent Marijuana Use in the United States and Structural Breaks: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis, 1991-2018

To investigate temporal patterns, sociodemographic gradients, and structural breaks in adolescent marijuana use in the United States from 1991 to 2018, we used hierarchical age-period-cohort logistic regression models to distinguish temporal effects of marijuana use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders from 28 waves of the Monitoring the Future survey (1991-2018). Structural breaks in period effects were further detected via a dynamic-programing-based method. Net of other effects, we found a clear age-related increase in the probability of marijuana use (10.46%, 23.17%, and 31.19% for 8th, 10th, and 12th graders, respectively). Period effects showed a substantial increase over time (from 16.23% in 2006 to 26.38% in 2018), while cohort effects remained stable throughout the study period. Risk of adolescent marijuana use varied by sex, racial group, family status, and parental education. Significant structural breaks during 1995-1996, 2006-2008, and 2011-2013 were identified in different subpopulations. A steady increase in marijuana use among adolescents during the latter years of this time period was identified. Adolescents who were male, were non-Black, lived in nonintact families, and had less educated parents were especially at risk of marijuana usage. Trends in adolescent marijuana use changed significantly during times of economic crisis.

Health and Risk Behaviors of Bystanders: An Integrative Theoretical Model of Bystanders' Reactions to Mistreatment

This article constructs a comprehensive theoretical model that outlines bystanders' emotional and behavioral responses to the mistreatment of adolescent peers. The model captures bystanders' risk and health risk behaviors, which have been overlooked in the context of their reactions; when addressed at all in connection with bystanders of bullying among adolescents, they have been treated separately. Here, we present bystanders' emotional and cognitive reactions and their impact on bystanders' responses including a set of responses that demonstrate risk and health risk behaviors that are directed to the bystander as a victim by proxy. The theoretical framework is the conservation of resources theory, which posits that personal resources (i.e., potency and moral disengagement) and social resources impact the process that leads to bystanders' reactions. Previous models have overlooked the integrative viewpoint of bystanders, and comprehensive models that explain bystanders' behavioral and emotional responses have received little attention especially with regards to adolescents. Two recent models overlooked core features embedded in the current model, including the risk and health risk behaviors that it integrates. The proposed model presents a novel and more comprehensive view of bystanders' reactions and the process underlying these reactions. It integrates existing knowledge embedded in other existing models. At the same time, this perspective indicates the centricity of potency as a key resource that dictates the emotional response and behaviors of bystanders. This potentially allows for new applications in the mitigation of adverse impacts that follow the witnessing of mistreatment. The article discusses these applications, which are based on previous findings, their implications for practice, and directions for future empirical research necessary to validate the model.

Longitudinal associations between justice sensitivity, nonsuicidal self-injury, substance use, and victimization by peers

Justice sensitivity (JS), the tendency to perceive and negatively respond to alleged injustice, has been associated with a range of internalizing and externalizing problems and peer victimization; however, it remains unclear if it has an association with self-victimization. Participants (N = 769) reported on their JS longitudinally at 9-19 (T1), 11-21 (T2), and 14-22 years of age (T3). They further reported on nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and illegal substance use as indicators of self-victimization as well as victimization by peers at T2 and T3. A cross-lagged latent model revealed that victim JS at T1 was positively associated with NSSI, substance use, and peer victimization at T2, and victim JS at T2 was positively associated with substance use at T3. Higher observer JS at T2 predicted higher illegal substance use at T3 and higher illegal substance use at T2 predicted higher observer JS at T3. Finally, higher peer victimization at T2 predicted less perpetrator JS at T3 in the total group. Multigroup models further revealed sex-specific effects. Our findings highlight that being sensitive to injustice, particularly the tendency to feel unfairly treated or being taken advantage of, contributes to individuals' vulnerability to both engaging in behaviors reflecting self-victimization and being a target of peer victimization, which in turn have influences on JS.

The comparative and cumulative impact of different forms of violence exposure during childhood and adolescence on long-term adult outcomes

Violence exposure during childhood and adolescence is associated with a range of negative psychosocial outcomes. Research examining the impact of violence exposure has been limited by the compartmentalization into separate bodies of research (e.g., community violence, domestic violence). There is also a paucity of research examining long-term adult outcomes. Using a large and racially diverse sample (n = 754; male = 58%; Black = 46%), the current longitudinal study aimed to elucidate the comparative and cumulative effect of different types of violence exposure (witnessing vs. victimization) across different locations (home, school, neighborhood) in childhood and adolescence (lifetime through Grade 8) on long-term internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems; substance use; and intimate partner violence in adulthood (age 25). Victimization, but not witnessing violence, predicted all five adult outcomes. Specifically, being victimized at home was associated with the widest range of negative outcomes (internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems), while school victimization was associated with substance use. Further, when youth experienced multiple types of violence across multiple locations (cumulative violence exposure), they experienced a more diverse range of negative outcomes in adulthood (composite score). The current study highlights the stronger effects of violence exposure in more proximal contexts, and how these locations are important for emotional and behavioral development.

Victimization in traditional and cyberbullying as risk factors for substance use, self-harm and suicide attempts in high school students

Background:

Traditional bullying (or peer bullying) is considered a common and unpleasant experience among students and has serious consequences such as mental health problems and unhealthy behavior. In recent years, another type of bullying named cyberbullying has emerged as a growing problem with negative effects on school achievement, physiology, and mental health of its victims.

Objective:

The purpose of this research is to examine and compare the roles of traditional and cyberbullying victimization in substance use, self-harm and suicide attempts.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study and conducted in 2019. A total of 425 high school students were selected for the study in Kermanshah, Iran. For conducting the survey, a multi-stage cluster randomized procedure was used and 18 classes in six different high schools in three urban areas were selected. A total of 400 students (mean age 16.61 years, 53.2% girls) responded to the survey, and it provided usable information for the research. Data were analyzed through binary logistic regression analyses.

Results:

The analysis results revealed that 54.2% of students (n = 217) have experienced traditional or cyber victimization. Any kind of victimization was associated with self-harm. Cyber victimization alone and the combination of cyber plus traditional victimization showed significant association with suicide and substance use. Risk of substance use, self-harm, and suicide was higher when students experienced both types of bullying than when they experienced just one kind of bullying alone.

Conclusions:

The results of this study suggest that traditional and cyber victims may require immediate intervention to reduce the negative effects of victimization. Also, prevention programs should consider the possible relationship between traditional and cyber victimization and substance use, self-harm, and suicide.

Vicarious Victimization, Negative Emotions, and Maladaptive Coping: Investigating the Role of Violent Peers

According to general strain theory's (GST) vicarious strain hypothesis, individuals' behavior is influenced by witnessing or having knowledge of others' stressful experiences, especially those within their network. Drawing on Agnew's GST, the current study examines the relationship between peer victimization and violent offending, as well as the potential intervening factors in this relationship. The primary research questions are: (a) does vicarious strain occur through having friends who are victimized? And (b) what role does violent peers play in the coping process? Data for the analysis were obtained from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescents to Adult Health's friendship network data. Results from multivariate analysis show that victimization of ones' friend (or peer victimization) is associated with depression as well as personal involvement in violent offending. This relationship, however, is fully mediated by depression. Regarding deviant peers, a three-way interaction effect was observed, specifically peer victimization, involvement with peers, and associating violent peers was a significant predictor of violent offending. Findings from the current study highlight the importance of considering the role of deviant peers in the coping process. Results lend support to Agnew's GST. Implications for theory and research are discussed.

The Brain Emotional Systems in Addictions: From Attachment to Dominance/Submission Systems

Human development has become particularly complex during the evolution. In this complexity, adolescence is an extremely important developmental stage. Adolescence is characterized by biological and social changes that create the prerequisites to psychopathological problems, including both substance and non-substance addictive behaviors. Central to the dynamics of the biological changes during adolescence are the synergy between sexual and neurophysiological development, which activates the motivational/emotional systems of Dominance/Submission. The latter are characterized by the interaction between the sexual hormones, the dopaminergic system and the stress axis (HPA). The maturation of these motivational/emotional systems requires the integration with the phylogenetically more recent Attachment/CARE Systems, which primarily have governed the subject's relationships until puberty. The integration of these systems is particularly complex in the human species, due to the evolution of the process of competition related to sexual selection: from a simple fight between two individuals (of the same genus and species) to a struggle for the acquisition of a position in rank and the competition between groups. The latter is an important evolutionary acquisition and believed to be the variable that has most contributed to enhancing the capacity for cooperation in the human species. The interaction between competition and cooperation, and between competition and attachment, characterizes the entire human relational and emotional structure and the unending work of integration to which the BrainMind is involved. The beginning of the integration of the aforementioned motivational/emotional systems is currently identified in the prepubertal period, during the juvenile stage, with the development of the Adrenarche-the so-called Adrenal Puberty. This latter stage is characterized by a low rate of release of androgens, the hormones released by the adrenal cortex, which activate the same behaviors as those observed in the PLAY system. The Adrenarche and the PLAY system are biological and functional prerequisites of adolescence, a period devoted to learning the difficult task of integrating the phylogenetically ancient Dominance/Submission Systems with the newer Attachment/CARE Systems. These systems accompany very different adaptive goals which can easily give rise to mutual conflict and can in turn make the balance of the BrainMind precarious and vulnerable to mental suffering.

The Mediating Role of Bullying and Victimisation on the Relationship Between Problematic Internet Use and Substance Abuse Among Adolescents in the UK: The Parent-Child Relationship as a Moderator

Over the last decade, research into the negative effects of problematic internet use has greatly increased. The current study adopted a mediation-moderation model in exploring the relationship between problematic internet use and substance abuse (drinking, drug use, and smoking tobacco cigarettes) among 1,613 adolescents (aged 10-16) in the UK. The findings of the study revealed a significant positive correlation between problematic internet use and substance abuse, which is mediated by traditional and cyber bullying and victimisation. Furthermore, the parent-child relationship was found to be a protective factor that moderated the correlation between problematic internet use and substance abuse and the correlation between problematic internet use and traditional bullying. The study emphasises the critical need to reduce problematic internet use among adolescents as a risk factor for involvement in bullying as perpetrators and victims, in addition to substance abuse. Furthermore, the findings of the study highlight the importance of a good parent-child relationship as a protective factor among adolescents. In light of the findings of the study, interventions for reducing problematic internet use taking into account bullying and the parent-child relationship are needed among adolescents.

Combined Associations of Smoking and Bullying Victimization With Binge Drinking Among Adolescents in Beijing, China

Background: Binge drinking and smoking among adolescents are serious public concerns. However, very few studies have explored the reinforcement of bullying victimization by such behavior. Our study aimed at examining the individual and combined associations of smoking and bullying victimization with binge drinking among adolescents in Beijing, China. Methods: A total of 33,694 students aged 13-17 years old in Beijing, China were anonymously investigated via the cross-sectional Chinese Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey from April to May 2014. A three-stage stratified sampling was used to select participants. Factors such as sociodemographic variables and indicators of smoking, bullying victimization, and binge drinking were analyzed with multiple logistic regressions, and joint and additive interaction effects were tested. Results: Overall, ever-drinking prevalence was 59.1% (boys: 64.4%; girls: 53.7%). Past 30-day binge drinking was 11.5% (boys: 15.6%; girls: 7.4%) and frequent binge drinking was 2.3% (boys: 3.3%; girls: 1.0%). Past 30-day smoking was 10.7% (boys: 16.4%; girls: 5.0%) and past 30-day bullying victimization was 48.7% (boys: 57.3%; girls: 40.1%). The combined effects of smoking and bullying victimization on occasional binge drinking (OR = 6.49, 95% CI = 5.60-7.52) and frequent binge drinking (OR = 10.32, 95% CI = 7.52-14.14) were significant, and the additive interaction effect was significant for current smoking and bullying victimization on frequent binge drinking (OR = 10.22, 95% CI = 9.43-11.07). The additive interaction effect for current smoking and bullying victimization on frequent binge drinking was significant among boys. Conclusion: Bullying victimization reinforced the association of smoking with frequent binge drinking, especially with findings specific to boys. Programs to prevent smoking or bullying or both may reduce binge drinking among adolescents in China.

Psychosocial and socio-environmental factors associated with adolescents' tobacco and other substance use in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana are the top three substances used by adolescents. The adverse health effects of these three substances are well documented in epidemiological literature, yet little is known about the substance use and associated factors among adolescents in Bangladesh. This study examines the risk factors for tobacco and other substances use among school-going adolescents in Bangladesh.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the 2014 Bangladesh Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) of adolescents aged 13-17 years. We used two outcome measures: tobacco use (TU) and other substance use (SU; alcohol and/or marijuana). We examined a set of reported psychosocial and socio-environmental adverse events as risk factors. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify associations.

RESULTS

The prevalence of TU and other SU among school-going adolescents was 9.6% and 2.3%, respectively. The likelihood of TU and other SU was higher among adolescents who reported being bullied (TU: adjusted odd ratio [AOR]: 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-3.00; and other SU: AOR: 3.43; 95% CI: 1.46-7.99) and having sexual history (TU: AOR: 19.38; 95% CI: 12.43-30.21; and other SU: AOR: 5.34; 95% CI: 2.17-13.29). Moreover, anxiety-related sleep loss was associated with adolescents' TU (AOR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.02-5.82) whereas the likelihood of other SU (AOR: 3.27; 95% CI: 1.14-9.44) was higher among lonely adolescents. Experience of adverse socio-environmental factors, such as parental substance use (TU: AOR: 7.81; 95% CI: 5.08-12.01), poor monitoring (TU: AOR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.16-3.31) and poor understanding (TU: AOR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.36-3.65), and lack of peer support (TU: AOR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.84-5.31; and other SU: AOR: 2.45; 95% CI: 1.02-5.91), and truancy (other SU: AOR: 4.29; 95% CI: 1.81-10.12) were also positively associated with TU and/or other SU. Additionally, higher odds of tobacco use were observed among adolescents who reported 1 (AOR: 4.36 times; 95% CI: 1.34-14.24), 2 (AOR: 8.69 95% CI: 1.67-28.23), and ≥3 (AOR: 17.46; 95% CI: 6.20-49.23) adverse psychosocial experiences than who did not report any psychosocial events.

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco and other substance use among school-going adolescents are prevalent in Bangladesh. Several psychosocial and socio-environmental events are associated with TU and other SU, which should be incorporated into adolescent substance use and health promotion programs.

Health and behavioural outcomes of bullying victimisation among Indonesian adolescent students: findings from the 2015 Global School-based Student Health Survey

Bullying victimisation among adolescents is globally recognised as an important predictor for several adverse health and behavioural outcomes. Due to a paucity of studies in Indonesia, this study aimed to identify the adverse health and behavioural outcomes due to bullying victimisation among school-going adolescents and investigate the possible moderation by age and sex. This was an analysis of the second Global School-based Student Health Survey data of Indonesia conducted in 2015. The eligible samples were 9,601 adolescent students. The main independent variable was bullying victimisation status, while the dependent variables consisted of mental health problems, substance use, and other risk behaviours. Binary logistic regression controlling for some confounders was applied to identify the associations among sex-merged and sex-separated samples. Furthermore, adjusted margin probabilities of having adverse outcomes were calculated by bullying victimisation frequency and age. This study found that nearly 2 out of 10 adolescent students were bullied in the last 30 days. Bullying victimisation was associated with the odds of all adverse health and behavioural outcomes that include loneliness, anxiety, suicidal ideation, smoking cigarettes, alcohol use, truancy, physical fight, and sedentary behaviour. The associations were slightly larger among female than male students for some of the outcomes. The odds of these adverse outcomes increased with the rising frequency of bullying and by age. The findings suggest that bullying victimisation was associated with a number of adverse health and behavioural outcomes among Indonesian adolescent students. Implementation of anti-bullying interventions among students right from a young age is essential to prevent unexpected adverse outcomes and its detrimental consequences.

Bullying victimization and adverse health behaviors among school-going adolescents in South Asia: Findings from the global school-based student health survey

BACKGROUND

Bullying among adolescents is a global public health issue and has adverse behavioral and mental health consequences, yet a little is known about the relationship between bullying victimization and adverse health behaviors in adolescence in South Asian countries.

METHODS

Data for this cross-sectional analysis were extracted from the global school-based student health survey (GSHS) in Bangladesh (n = 2,989), 2014 and in Nepal (n = 6,529), 2015. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the associations between bullying victimization and adverse health behaviors or outcomes: physical violence, sexual history, tobacco use, alcohol use, drug use, suicide ideation, plan, attempt, loneliness, and sleeping difficulty.

RESULTS

The prevalence of bullying victimization that occurred for a minimum of 1 day during the 30 days preceding the survey was 24.5% in Bangladesh and 50.9% in Nepal. This study observed significant relationships between bullying victimization and several adverse health behaviors/outcomes. For example, in Bangladesh, the odds of attempted suicide were found to be higher in adolescents that experienced bullying for 1-2 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64-5.19), 3-5 (AOR: 3.55; 95% CI: 1.69), 6-9 (AOR: 5.33; 95% CI: 1.24-22.77), or 10 days or more (AOR: 9.83; 95% CI: 4.17-23.16) during the 30 days preceding the survey than who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Bullying among adolescents in school is common in Bangladesh and Nepal and is associated with several adverse health behaviors. Bullying and its potential health consequences are needed to be addressed in health promotion and programs in these countries.

Correlates of bullying victimization among school adolescents in Nepal: Findings from 2015 Global School-Based Student Health Survey Nepal

BACKGROUND

Bullying is an emerging risk factor for poor mental health outcomes adversely affecting children and adolescents. However, it has rarely caught the attention of the health and education sector due to lack of evidence in many countries including Nepal. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with bullying behavior among adolescent students in Nepal.

METHODS

We used nationally representative data from the Nepal Global School-Based Student Health Survey that involved two-stage cluster sampling design with the use of a standard set of self-administered questionnaires. Complex sample analysis was done to determine the prevalence and correlates of bullying among 6529 students of 68 schools studying in grade 7 to 11 using descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of bullying among Nepalese school adolescents was 51% (55.67% in male and 46.17% in female). Bullied adolescents more commonly reported mental health problems with higher risk of loneliness (aOR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.64), anxiety (aOR 2.04, 95% CI: 1.65, 2.52), suicide attempt (aOR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.54, 2.81), school absenteeism due to fear (aOR 1.72, 95% CI: 1.34, 2.21) and school truancy (aOR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.87). A significant association was seen between bullying victimization and negative health behaviors like involvement in physical fights (aOR 3.64, 95% CI: 2.94, 4.51) and tobacco use (aOR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.65).

CONCLUSION

School bullying is significantly associated with mental health factors like loneliness, anxiety, suicide attempt, school absenteeism and risky behavioral factors like smokeless tobacco use and involvement in physical fight. The insights provided by these findings have important implications for planning anti-bullying strategies in school settings in the Nepalese context.

Bullying Victimization and e-Cigarette Use among Middle and High School Students

BACKGROUND

Bullying has been associated with several adverse health outcomes, including substance use. However, little is known about the association between bullying and e-cigarette use. This study examined the association between bully victimization and the frequency of e-cigarette use.

METHODS

Data from the 2016-2017 Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey were used (N = 49,543). The target population consists of Canadian students enrolled in grades 7-12. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between bullying victimization status and e-cigarette use.

RESULTS

Among the students included in the study, 14.1% were bullied less than once a week. Bullying victimization was statistically significantly associated with higher odds of any e-cigarette use in the last 30 days. Likewise, those bullied daily or almost daily were more likely to use e-cigarettes more frequently compared to students not bullied. We found a statistically significant difference in analysis stratified by sex, with female bullying victims having higher odds of all measures of e-cigarette use.

CONCLUSIONS

Bullying victims were significantly more likely to use an e-cigarette, and findings appeared to vary by sex. Female bullying victims had a higher likelihood of e-cigarette use.

Body-related discrimination and dieting and substance use behaviors in adolescence

Unfair treatment on the basis of a physical characteristic, such as body weight, is associated with unhealthy dieting behaviors in adolescence and adulthood and has also been implicated in substance use. Peer victimization is likewise associated with these health-risk behaviors. It is unclear, however, whether body discrimination is associated with these behaviors independent of peer victimization. The present research uses data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) to test the relation between body discrimination and dieting and substance use behaviors in adolescence and test whether the associations are independent of peer victimization, as well as depressive symptoms which are associated with both forms of victimization and health-risk behaviors. Participants (N = 2955) reported on body discrimination, dieting behaviors, and substance use at ages 14-15. Participants who experienced body discrimination were more likely to report fear of gaining weight, losing control over eating, going without eating, using medicine or vomiting to control their weight, engaging in restrained eating, and exercising to control their weight. They also had tried nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana. The associations with eating and alcohol use were independent of peer victimization, whereas the associations with smoking and marijuana were reduced when peer victimization was included in the model. All associations were also independent of depressive symptoms. Overall, the findings suggest that body discrimination is associated with harmful health behaviors at least as early as age 14.

The Long-Term Associations Between Direct and Threatened Physical Violence in Adolescence and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorders During the Mid-30s

OBJECTIVE

Most studies linking physical victimization and substance use have focused on concurrent or temporally proximal associations, making it unclear whether physical victimization has a sustained impact on substance use problems. We examined the long-term associations between adolescent physical victimization and symptoms of substance use disorders in adulthood, controlling for intermediating victimization during young adulthood and several control variables.

METHOD

Data were obtained from the Monitoring the Future Study (N = 5,291). Women and men were recruited around age 18 and surveyed biennially through age 30, and again at 35. Past-year physical victimization (threatened physical assaults, injurious assaults) was measured regularly from age 18 to 30. Alcohol and cannabis use symptoms (e.g., withdrawal, tolerance) were assessed at age 35. Controls were measured in adolescence (e.g., prior substance use) and young adulthood (e.g., marriage). Interactions examined whether associations varied by sex.

RESULTS

When we controlled for adolescent substance use, adolescents who were threatened with injury or who sustained physical injuries as a result of violence had more alcohol use symptoms at age 35 than nonvictims. However, when victimization during young adulthood was statistically accounted for, only victimization during young adulthood was associated with age-35 alcohol use symptoms. The effects of young adult victimization, but not adolescent victimization, were stronger for women. Victimization was mostly unrelated to age-35 cannabis use symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents who are threatened with physical assaults or injured by physical assaults have significantly more alcohol use symptoms in their mid-30s than nonvictimized adolescents, but these associations are completely explained by subsequent victimization during young adulthood.