Childhood bullying behaviors at age eight and substance use at age 18 among males. A nationwide prospective study

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.

Longitudinal relationships between school assets, traditional bullying, and internet gaming disorder: the role of self-control and intentional self-regulation among Chinese adolescents

Introduction

Although developmental assets have been proven to be enabling factors for both adolescent traditional bullying and internet gaming disorder (IGD), there is a lack of empirical evidence that has investigated the direct relationship between school assets and both of these problematic behaviors concurrently. Based on the positive youth development (PYD) perspective, the present study aimed to explore the relationship between school assets, intentional self-regulation (ISR), self-control, traditional bullying, and IGD among Chinese adolescents.

Methods

A total of 742 middle school students (M_age = 13.88 years, SD = 1.99 years) were followed up to measure school assets, ISR, self-control, traditional bullying, and IGD in two waves that were separated by 5 months.

Results

Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that T1 school assets negatively predicted T2 traditional bullying and T2 IGD. T1 self-control significantly mediated the relationships between T1 school assets and T2 traditional bullying, as well as between T1 school assets and T2 IGD. Additionally, T1 ISR strengthened the positive effect of T1 school assets on T1 self-control and further moderated the two mediating paths.

Discussion

These findings show that plentiful school assets support the development of self-control and are more successful in reducing traditional bullying and IGD, particularly among students with higher ISR. As a result, schools should take measures to provide superior-quality assets for the positive development of youth, which will help to prevent and relieve traditional bullying and IGD in the school context.

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.

Peer victimization and relationships to approach and avoidance coping to health and health behaviors

Peer victimization during high school is a common experience associated with engagement in risky health behaviors and elevated depressive symptoms. Mechanisms linking peer victimization to health outcomes remain inadequately understood. In the current study, latent class analysis was used to identify latent subclasses of college students who display similar patterns of responses to frequent peer victimization experiences during high school. We also examined moderating and mediating effects of coping (approach/avoidance) on relationships between victimization class and health outcomes (i.e., binge drinking, current smoking, depressive symptoms). College students completed questionnaire measures of peer victimization, approach and avoidance coping, binge drinking, smoking, and depressive symptoms. Four distinct patterns of peer victimization were identified among college students (Low, High, Moderate, and Social/Verbal). Moderation models revealed significant interactions of moderate victimization x approach coping on depressive symptoms and high victimization x avoidance coping on binge drinking. Mediation models revealed a significant indirect effect of avoidance coping on depressive symptoms for those in the high victimization class. Findings provide a greater understanding of the complex patterns of peer victimization. Coping efforts among varying peer victimization classes had different relationships with health outcomes during the college years. Interventions aimed at reducing health-risk and depressive symptoms among college student might benefit from increased attention to high school victimization experiences and current coping processes.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08964289.2021.1946468 .

Cyberbullying and Delinquency in Adolescence: The Potential Mediating Effects of Social Attachment and Delinquent Peer Association

Adopting the integrated model of General Strain Theory (GST), the current study tested the relations between cyberbullying roles (i.e., cyberbully, cybervictim, and cyberbully-victim) and delinquent behaviors (i.e., physical fighting and substance use), as well as the potential mediating effects of delinquent peer association and perceived social attachment from parents, friends, and teachers. This was conducted in a cross-sectional sample of 12,642 American adolescents via the use of structural equation models. The results indicated that being involved in cyberbullying might be not only directly associated with an increase in delinquent behaviors, but also indirectly via delinquent peer associations and perceived social attachment from parents, friends, and teachers. Furthermore, both direct and indirect (mediating) relationships between cyberbullying and delinquency might depend upon specific cyberbullying roles and the types of delinquency. Potential implications for prevention and intervention strategies were discussed.

Substance use confounds associations between peer victimization and aggression in adolescence with mental disorders in adulthood: A prospective birth cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Peer victimization and aggression in adolescence are associated with later mental health morbidity. However, studies examining this association have not controlled for adolescent substance use. We aimed to study the associations between peer victimization, peer aggression, and mental disorders in adulthood, adjusting for substance use in adolescence.

METHODS

Participants were from the prospective Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. Data were available for 6682 individuals (70.8% of the original sample). Peer victimization and peer aggression were assessed with items from the Achenbach Youth Self Report at ages 15-16 years. Outcomes were nonorganic psychosis, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, substance use disorder, and any mental disorder (a none-vs-any indicator) at age 33 years collected from nationwide health care, insurance, and pension registers. Family structure, alcohol intoxication frequency, daily smoking, illicit drug use, and baseline psychopathology using Youth Self-Report total score, and parental mental disorders were considered as confounding factors.

RESULTS

In multivariable analyses, the association between peer victimization and psychosis (Hazard ratio [HR]: 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-6.9, p = .020) and mood disorder (HR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.4, p = .012) in females remained significant after adjusting for confounders. Other associations between female and male peer victimization or aggression and the studied outcomes attenuated after adjustments.

CONCLUSIONS

Some associations between peer victimization and aggression and later mental health morbidity are explained by adolescent substance use. For females, substance use does not account for the increased risk of psychosis and mood disorder in those who experience peer victimization.

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.

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.

Bullying behaviours and other conduct problems: longitudinal investigation of their independent associations with risk factors and later outcomes

PURPOSE

Bullying behaviours and other conduct problems often co-occur. However, we do not yet know whether bullying behaviours are associated with early factors and later poor outcomes independently of conduct problems. While there are differing, specific interventions for bullying behaviours and for conduct problems, it is unclear if such specificity is justified given parallels between both behaviours.

METHODS

We used prospective data from the Environmental Risk (E-Risk) Longitudinal Twin Study, a nationally representative sample of 2232 children. Mothers and teachers reported on children's bullying behaviours and conduct problems at ages 7 and 10. We collected measures of risk factors, including temperament and family factors, when children were age 5. We assessed behavioural, emotional, educational and social problems when participants reached the ages of 12 and 18.

RESULTS

Bullying behaviours and conduct problems co-occurred in childhood. Our findings indicated that bullying behaviours and other conduct problems were independently associated with the same risk factors. Furthermore, they were associated with the same poor outcomes at both ages 12 and 18. Despite this, bullying behaviours were uniquely associated with behavioural, emotional, educational and social problems at age 18.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that anti-bullying programmes and interventions aimed at reducing conduct problems could benefit from greater integration. Furthermore, our study highlights the mental health problems children who bully may face in later years and the need to consider those in intervention plans.

Past 6-Year Trends in Current Alcohol Use among Cyberbullied Adolescents

Most of the research on alcohol use and being cyberbullied has focused on the correlation between the two. Less is known about the recent epidemiology of adolescent current alcohol use. Objective: To describe the trends in current alcohol use among adolescence that self-report being cyberbullied across sex and racial/ethnic groups. Methods: The data from the present study came from the national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS) from 2011 to 2017. We estimated the prevalence of current alcohol use across years by biological sex and race/ethnicity. Further we tested for linear and quadratic trends. Results: We observed statistically significant decreases in alcohol use cyberbullied (b= -0.12, p < 0.00), and non-cyberbullied individuals (b=-0.15, p < 0.00). Further, we found significant decreases for cyberbullied males (b= -0.10, p < 0.01), females (b= -0.17, p < 0.01) blacks (b= -0.39, p < 0.00), and Hispanics (b= -0.17, p < 0.01). Whites and other races were did not have a significant change. We also found significant decreases for cyberbullied white males and females, black males (b=-0.46, p < 0.03) and females (b= -0.37, p < 0.02), Hispanic males (b=-0.33, p < 0.00). White males and females and other males and females did not have significant changes in alcohol use prevalence. Conclusions: Consistent with national trends, alcohol use among adolescents is decreasing. The decrease is occurring within those that are being cyberbullied. Further research with different data are necessary to further validate these results.

An Exploration of the Link Between Bullying Perpetration and Substance Use: A Review of the Literature

Bullying and substance use are serious public health concerns. The aim of this article is to review empirical studies that examined the association between bullying perpetration and substance use among adolescence in various countries. Research studies that found a correlation between bullying perpetration and substance use in children and adolescents were reviewed. From the search, 7,844 abstracts were identified and 7,795 were excluded. Fifty-four remaining articles were reviewed, and 23 were excluded after full text review. A total of 31 articles, which all met the inclusion criteria, were considered in the review. Findings from the review suggest that children who engaged in bullying are more likely to be involved in alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use. Substance use prevention efforts require an examination of peer dynamics and peer relationships. In addition, bullying and substance use prevention require family dynamics and how they may increase the risk of bullying and drugs abuse.

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.

Bullying and Substance Use in Early Adolescence: Investigating the Longitudinal and Reciprocal Effects Over 3 Years Using the Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model

Bullying and substance use among adolescents have been increasingly studied in the field of developmental psychology, but research to date has primarily investigated the cross-sectional relationship and, to a lesser extent, the long-term impact of bullying on substance use. Grounded in the General Theory of Crime, this study focused on the longitudinal reciprocal relationships between bullying and substance use (i.e., smoking and alcohol consumption) during early to mid-adolescence, which is a critical developmental phase. We aimed to investigate the hypothesis of a reinforcing downward spiral at the within-person level. Moreover, we intended to examine gender differences in the expected longitudinal relationships. Our analyses are based on self-report data for bullying and substance use collected from 1,495 adolescents (746 males; M age at T 1 = 12.42, SD = 0.58) at three waves between 2017 and 2019. We applied the random intercept cross-lagged panel model to separate within-person from between-person effects. At the between-person level, the mutual association between bullying and substance use, previously demonstrated in cross-sectional studies, was confirmed. At the within-person level, results provide evidence of a significant age-dependent change in bullying and substance use from 13 to 14 years old, where the significant increase in bullying could be attributed to females but not to males. We also found a gender-independent significant positive effect of bullying at 12 years old on substance use at 13 years, but not vice versa. Thus, the hypothesis of a reinforcing downward spiral, shown by significant positive reciprocal effects, did not find support. According to the General Theory of Crime, our findings underline that bullying can be considered a context-related factor inasmuch as it pushes adolescents to smoke and drink, which are both expressions of low levels of self-control, which need to be considered in intervention programs to effectively prevent unhealthy and risky behaviors in adolescence.

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.

Mutual Influences on Bullying Perpetration and Substance Use Among Adolescents in the United States

PURPOSE

Identifying temporal pattern of associations between bullying perpetration and substance use among youth is useful for optimal targeting of intervention and prevention. We examined the mutual influences on bullying perpetration and substance use and test the cumulative effects of bullying perpetration and substance use over time.

METHODS

We used data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health cohort study, a nationally representative sample of youth, on bullying perpetration and substance use at three points in time over 3 years. We analyzed the associations of bullying perpetration with alcohol, cannabis and cigarette use using binary logistic regressions. The 13,068 youths aged 12-17 years at baseline (2013-2014) were included in the analytical sample.

RESULTS

Cross-sectional associations between bullying perpetration and substance use were found at baseline (odds ratio [OR]_alcohol = 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33-1.97; OR_marijuana = 1.28, 95% CI .99-1.66; OR_cigarette = 1.86, 95% CI 1.44-2.39). Cumulative episodic and frequent bullying perpetration over three data waves predicted an increased likelihood of substance use at follow-up (ORs between 1.18, 95% CI 1.02-1.36 and 2.13, 95% CI 1.66-2.74). Conversely, both episodic and frequent substance use predicted an increased probability of bullying others at follow-up (ORs between 1.50, 95% CI 1.20-1.86, and 2.10, 95% CI 1.69-2.61).

CONCLUSIONS

Associations between bullying perpetration and substance use appears to be bidirectional. In addition, episodic bullying perpetrators displayed intermediate levels of risk, suggesting a graded association between bullying perpetration pattern and substance use.

How can schools be integrated in promoting well-being, preventing mental health problems and averting substance-use disorders in urban populations?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mental health and substance use problems are among the most prevalent and challenging problems faced by both high-income and low-income countries worldwide. This review will focus on summarizing scattered evidence of school-based interventions to promote well-being and prevent mental health problems and substance use disorders in children and adolescents.

RECENT FINDINGS

We focus on two main areas of research: promotion of healthy school climate and prevention of bullying. Choosing among available interventions might be challenging, both because of the difficulties in assessing their efficacy and tailoring interventions to specific needs, but also because of the scarcity of intervention in low-resource settings. We provide some guidance on principles encompassed by the available evidence that can be used for policymakers and local communities aiming to integrate mental health promotion and prevention into their schools.

SUMMARY

Developing, implementing, scaling and sustaining school-based interventions is a necessity of our field if we want to move closer to sustainable development goals.

Exploring Sex Differences in the Association between Bullying Involvement and Alcohol and Marijuana Use among U.S. Adolescents in 6th to 10th Grade

Objectives: The aim of the current study was to examine whether different types of involvement in bullying, together with a set of social-ecological correlates, were associated with alcohol and marijuana use for female and male adolescents. Methods: This study utilized data derived from the U.S. division of the 2005-2006 Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) study, which include 7,084 U.S. 6^th-10^th graders (3,353 males and 3,731 females) in public and private schools. Results: The results showed that although some forms of involvement in bullying were associated with alcohol and marijuana use, some of these associations became non-significant when the social-ecological covariates were included in the models. The final logistic regression models revealed that being a traditional bully-victim increased the risk of alcohol use for males while being a traditional bully and cyber victim increased the risk of alcohol use for females. In addition, being a cyberbully increased the risk of marijuana use for males. While parental monitoring decreased the risk, delinquent peers increased the risk of both alcohol and marijuana use for both sexes. Parent/guardian support decreased the risk of alcohol use for females. The likelihood of alcohol use and marijuana use increased with age for both sexes, while being an African American was linked with a lower risk of alcohol and marijuana use among males. Conclusions/Importance: Our findings demonstrate the importance of examining the link between bullying involvement and substance use, together with social-ecological correlates for female and male adolescents.

The Association of Childhood Experience of Peer Bullying with DSM-IV Psychiatric Disorders and Suicidality in Adults: Results from a Nationwide Survey in Korea

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined the association between childhood bullying and adulthood mental disorders based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria. We investigated the association of childhood peer bullying with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) psychiatric disorders and suicidality in adults.

METHODS

A total of 5,102 respondents aged 18 or over completed the Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV psychiatric disorders and a questionnaire for suicidal ideas, plans, and attempts. We evaluated peer bullying using an item in the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the association between victimization of peer bullying, adult psychiatric disorders, and suicidality.

RESULTS

Around 8.8% of the general population in Korea reported the experience of being bullied when growing up. Bullying experience was associated with an increase in the adulthood prevalence of nicotine use disorders (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75-3.49), alcohol use disorders (aOR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.49-2.51), mood disorders (aOR, 4.23; 95% CI, 3.01-5.94), and anxiety disorders (aOR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.89-4.43) after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Among anxiety disorders, the OR for post-traumatic stress disorder (aOR, 9.95; 95% CI, 5.62-17.63) was notably high. Frequent victimization (many times) was significantly associated with suicidality even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders, whereas occasional victimization (once or a few times) was not.

CONCLUSION

Childhood bullying experience was associated with adult psychiatric disorders and suicidality. The findings indicated the importance of the early detection and management of childhood peer bullying to reduce detrimental adulthood consequences.

Longitudinal Relationships Between Parent Factors, Children's Bullying, and Victimization Behaviors

Longitudinal data from NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development tested direct, indirect and reciprocal effects of maternal depressive symptoms, stress/support factors on child bullying and peer victimization through mother-child relationship quality at grades 3, 5, 6. Data from 828 mother-child dyads indicated small significant effects of some hypothesized pathways, including a small direct effect of maternal depressive symptoms at grade 3 on peer victimization at grade 5, but not on bullying behaviors. Mother-child relationship quality at grade 5 negatively predicted bullying at grade 6, but not peer victimization. There were small effects of bullying behaviors at grade 5 on decreased mother-child relationship quality at grade 6. Maternal employment at grade 3 predicted decreased bullying behaviors at grade 6 through mother-child relationship quality at grade 5. Findings are relevant for parent inclusive research and approaches to anti-bully intervention strategies and prevention policies.

The relationship between peer relations, self-rated health and smoking behaviour in secondary vocational schools

AIMS

To examine the association between peer relations, self-rated health and smoking behaviour in vocational school setting.

BACKGROUND

Smoking in adolescence causes health and socioeconomic inequality in adulthood. There is evidence that smokers are physically less active, have lower academic aspirations and perceive poorer health than non-smokers.

METHOD

The study was conducted in spring 2013 and involved 34,776 vocational students who took part in the School Health Promotion Study in Finland. The associations between adolescent smoking habits and peer relations and smokers' self-rated health were studied adjusting for the respondents' age, parental education and family type.

RESULTS

A substantial proportion of the respondents, 37% of the girls and 36% of the boys, reported smoking daily, 15% of the girls and 14% boys smoked occasionally with a further 15% of the girls and 13% of the boys stating that they were ex-smokers. Of the girls, 33% and 38% of the boys were non-smokers. Adjusted multinomial regression revealed that having a close friend or friends predicted smoking among girls and boys. Additionally, the adjusted model indicated that being a bully and/or a bully + bully-victim was associated with smoking behaviour in boys only. Boys and girls who rated their health as moderate or poor were more often daily smokers; in girls, this was also the case in occasional smokers.

CONCLUSION

Smoking prevention aimed at vocational schools should take into consideration the norms and expectations related to peer relations which strongly influence adolescents' smoking habits.

Typologies of Peer Victimization, Depression, and Alcohol Use among High School Youth in the United States: Measuring Gender Differences

Using the data from 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, our study explored gender differences in the typologies of peer victimization and alcohol use mediated by depression among adolescents. Results showed a significant association between peer victimization types with depression and alcohol use among both male and female students. Results also showed stark gender differences in school victimization, cyber-bullying victimization, sexual-dating violence, and depression on alcohol use. Findings provide implications for policies and programs that examine various forms of peer victimization, mental health, and alcohol use through a gendered lens, critical to acknowledging gendered differences in victimization and behavior of adolescents.

Uso de drogas e Bullying entre adolescentes brasileiros

RESUMO Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar possíveis relações entre uso de drogas e envolvimento em bullying entre adolescentes. Participaram 1.192 adolescentes escolares, que preencheram um formulário de informações sociodemográficas, DUSI R e Escala de Violência Escolar. Enquanto o consumo de álcool, cocaína e algum tipo de droga (exceto álcool e tabaco) foi associado a ser autor de bullying, o uso de algum tipo de droga (exceto álcool e tabaco) esteve associado a ser alvo (vítima); o caso de ser alvo/autor mostrou-se associado ao uso de maconha. Idade, localização da escola e religião foram fatores relevantes para a ocorrência de bullying. Ter 12 anos, ser ateu e morar na zona urbana aumentaram as chances de ser vítima, enquanto ter 15 anos e habitar a zona urbana elevaram as possibilidades de ser alvo/autor de bullying, assim como ter 13 anos, as de ser autor. Estar envolvido em situações de bullying em qualquer posição se mostrou associado ao uso de drogas.

The Mediating Effect of Social Controls on Marijuana Use Among Adolescent Bullies, Victims, and Bully-Victims: A Comparison of Various Approaches to Mediation

This study examines the impact of social control measures (e.g. parental attachment and prosocial peer attachment) on marijuana use among adolescents who were pure bullies, pure victims, and bully-victims. Data from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children survey was utilized and consisted of a nationwide cross-section of 12,642 adolescents. Results revealed that adolescents who were pure bullies and bully-victims were more likely to use marijuana. Additionally, parental and peer attachments were significant in decreasing the likelihood of marijuana use for two of the bullying statuses (pure bullies and bully-victims). Further, the social control measures partially mediated the relationship between two of the bullying statuses and marijuana use despite having no significant relation of bullying victimization to marijuana use. Considering that parental and peer attachments had significant and direct effects on adolescent marijuana use in the predicted (inverse) direction, prevention programs should focus on building and strengthening these relationships as a means of reducing deviant behaviors such as marijuana use among adolescents.

Longitudinal effects of insufficient sleep on psychological problems among adolescent bullies based on Korean Child and Youth Panel Survey

This study was performed to investigate longitudinal effects of insufficient sleep on psychological problems among bullies and neutral students using the Korean Child and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS) collected from 8th to 10th graders. At the first wave, 6.4% of students reported that they had bullied other students two or more times. Bullies having insufficient sleep duration at the first wave exhibited significantly higher aggression levels than bullies with sufficient sleep over time. Among neutral students, sleep insufficiency showed no longitudinal relationship with aggression. Our findings confirm that insufficient sleep was an associated factor for chronically elevated aggression among bullies.

Enhanced dopamine D2 autoreceptor function in the adult prefrontal cortex contributes to dopamine hypoactivity following adolescent social stress

Adult psychiatric disorders characterized by cognitive deficits reliant on prefrontal cortex (PFC) dopamine are promoted by teenage bullying. Similarly, male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to social defeat in mid-adolescence (P35-39) show impaired working memory in adulthood (P56-70), along with decreased medial PFC (mPFC) dopamine activity that results in part from increased dopamine transporter-mediated clearance. Here, we determined if dopamine synthesis and D2 autoreceptor-mediated inhibition of dopamine release in the adult mPFC are also enhanced by adolescent defeat to contribute to later dopamine hypofunction. Control and previously defeated rats did not differ in either DOPA accumulation following amino acid decarboxylase inhibition (NSD-1015 100 mg/kg ip.) or total/phosphorylated tyrosine hydroxylase protein expression, suggesting dopamine synthesis in the adult mPFC is not altered by adolescent defeat. However, exposure to adolescent defeat caused greater decreases in extracellular dopamine release (measured using in vivo chronoamperometry) in the adult mPFC upon local infusion of the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole (3 nM), implying greater D2 autoreceptor function. Equally enhanced D2 autoreceptor-mediated inhibition of dopamine release is seen in the adolescent (P40 or P49) mPFC, which declines in control rats by adulthood. However, this developmental decrease in autoreceptor function is absent following adolescent defeat, suggesting retention of an adolescent-like phenotype into adulthood. Current and previous findings indicate adolescent defeat decreases extracellular dopamine availability in the adult mPFC via both enhanced inhibition of dopamine release and increased dopamine clearance, which may be viable targets for improving treatment of cognitive deficits seen in neuropsychiatric disorders promoted by adolescent stress.

Cumulative Bullying Experiences, Adolescent Behavioral and Mental Health, and Academic Achievement: An Integrative Model of Perpetration, Victimization, and Bystander Behavior

Bullying is often ongoing during middle- and high-school. However, limited research has examined how cumulative experiences of victimization, perpetration, and bystander behavior impact adolescent behavioral and mental health and academic achievement outcomes at the end of high school. The current study used a sample of over 8000 middle- and high-school students (51% female; mean age 12.5 years) from the Rural Adaptation Project in North Carolina to investigate how cumulative experiences as a bullying victim and perpetrator over 5 years, and cumulative experiences of bystander behavior over 2 years impacted students' aggression, internalizing symptoms, academic achievement, self-esteem, and future optimism. Following multiple imputation, analysis included a Structural Equation Model with excellent model fit. Findings indicate that cumulative bullying victimization was positively associated with aggression and internalizing symptoms, and negatively associated with self-esteem and future optimism. Cumulative bullying perpetration was positively associated with aggression and negatively associated with future optimism. Cumulative negative bystander behavior was positively associated with aggression and internalizing symptoms and negatively associated with academic achievement and future optimism. Cumulative prosocial bystander behavior was positively associated with internalizing symptoms, academic achievement, self-esteem, and future optimism. This integrative model brings together bullying dynamics to provide a comprehensive picture of implications for adolescent behavioral and mental health and academic achievement.

Annual Research Review: The persistent and pervasive impact of being bullied in childhood and adolescence: implications for policy and practice

BACKGROUND

We have known for some time that being bullied was associated with children's and adolescents' adjustment difficulties and well-being. In recent years, we have come to recognise that the impact of childhood bullying victimisation on the development of mental health problems is more complex. This paper aims to review the evidence for an independent contribution of childhood bullying victimisation to the development of poor outcomes throughout the life span, including mental, physical and socioeconomic outcomes, and discuss the implications for policy and practice.

FINDINGS

Existing research indicates that (a) being bullied in childhood is associated with distress and symptoms of mental health problems. This large body of evidence supports actions aimed at reducing the occurrence of bullying behaviours; (b) the consequences of childhood bullying victimisation can persist up to midlife and, in addition to mental health, can impact physical and socioeconomic outcomes. These new findings indicate that interventions should also focus on supporting victims of bullying and helping them build resilience; (c) research has identified some factors that predispose children to be targeted by bullying behaviours. These studies suggest that public health interventions could aim at preventing children from becoming the target of bullying behaviours from an early age.

CONCLUSIONS

It is a truism to emphasise that further work is needed to understand why and how young people's aspirations are often cut short by this all too common adverse social experience. In parallel, we must develop effective strategies to tackle this form of abuse and its consequences for the victims. Addressing bullying in childhood could not only reduce children's and adolescents' mental health symptoms but also prevent psychiatric and socioeconomic difficulties up to adulthood and reduce considerable costs for society.

Bullying victimization and illicit drug use among students in Grades 7 to 12 in Manitoba, Canada: a cross-sectional analysis

OBJECTIVES

There is inconsistent evidence examining the relationship between bullying victimization and illicit drug use, with most studies only examining the association between bullying victimization and marijuana use. The current study aims to (1) determine the relationship between bullying victimization and six types of illicit drug use among boys and girls in grades 7 to 12 and (2) examine gender and grade differences in the relationships between bullying victimization and drug use.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the Manitoba Youth Health Survey (N = 64,174) collected in the 2012-2013 school year among students in grades 7 to 12 from Manitoba, Canada. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationships between nine different types of bullying victimization and marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, ecstasy, hallucinogens, and prescription/over-the-counter drugs used to get high. All analyses were stratified by gender and grade.

RESULTS

Bullying victimization was associated with increased odds of all types of drug use among boys and girls in grades 7 to 12. A dose-response relationship was noted with more frequent bullying victimization corresponding to greater odds of drug use. Grade and gender differences were found for some drug use types.

CONCLUSIONS

There are strong relationships between bullying victimization and illicit drug use among boys and girls in grades 7 to 12, indicating that reductions in bullying victimization may result in reductions in illicit drug use. Grade and gender differences may signify the need for early and gender-specific bullying prevention and intervention strategies.

Factors Affecting Jordanian School Adolescents' Experience of Being Bullied

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify the Jordanian school adolescents' experience of being bullied, and to examine its association with selected socio-demographic variables.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross sectional descriptive study used multi-stages cluster sampling technique to recruit a sample of in-school adolescents in Jordan (N=436). The Personal Experiences Checklist was used to measure the experience of bullying. Descriptive statistics and parametric tests were used in the analysis.

RESULTS

Relational-verbal bullying was the most common form of bullying while cyber bullying was the least common type. Male adolescents experienced bullying more than females. In addition, adolescents belonging to low-income families experienced bullying more than those from moderate-income families. Finally, being bullied was negatively correlated with academic performance of students.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that risk factors for bullying are multifaceted which necessitate the development of prevention and intervention strategies to combat bullying taking into consideration these factors.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Schools should introduce environmental changes to discourage bullying and establish a policy with specific guidelines of what constitutes bullying behavior and expected disciplinary procedures. Staff training on information about the definition of bullying, current trends, and the effects of bullying is also recommended.

[Bullying and psychoactive substance use during adolescence: a systematic review]

Bullying and psychoactive substance abuse are prevalent phenomena among adolescents and identified as health problems that may jeopardise the development of all those involved. This systematic review of the literature aims to identify the extent to which involvement in bullying and psychoactive substance use during adolescence are associated, as well as check for differences regarding the social roles of bullying. From the search for empirical articles published between January 2009 and December 2014 in seven electronic databases, 585 records were identified. After the criteria for inclusion and exclusion were applied, the remaining 40 studies were analyzed based on the design, characteristics of the sample and results of the relationship between bullying and psychoactive substance use. Most studies are quantitative and cross-sectional, and they showed mixed samples of boys and girls in the school environment, which was the place where the phenomena are studied by preference. The association between the perpetration of bullying and psychoactive substance use for adolescents of both sexes is revealed. In relation to victimization by bullying, it was not possible to determine the direction and characterization of the relationship with psychoactive substance use.

Impact of juvenile chronic stress on adult cortico-accumbal function: Implications for cognition and addiction

Repeated exposure to stress during childhood is associated with increased risk for neuropsychiatric illness, substance use disorders and other behavioral problems in adulthood. However, it is not clear how chronic childhood stress can lead to emergence of such a wide range of symptoms and disorders in later life. One possible explanation lies in stress-induced disruption to the development of specific brain regions associated with executive function and reward processing, deficits in which are common to the disorders promoted by childhood stress. Evidence of aberrations in prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens function following repeated exposure of juvenile (pre- and adolescent) organisms to a variety of different stressors would account not only for the similarity in symptoms across the wide range of childhood stress-associated mental illnesses, but also their persistence into adulthood in the absence of further stress. Therefore, the goal of this review is to evaluate the current knowledge regarding disruption to executive function and reward processing in adult animals or humans exposed to chronic stress over the juvenile period, and the underlying neurobiology, with particular emphasis on the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. First, the role of these brain regions in mediating executive function and reward processing is highlighted. Second, the neurobehavioral development of these systems is discussed to illustrate how juvenile stress may exert long-lasting effects on prefrontal cortex-accumbal activity and related behavioral functions. Finally, a critical review of current animal and human findings is presented, which strongly supports the supposition that exposure to chronic stress (particularly social aggression and isolation in animal studies) in the juvenile period produces impairments in executive function in adulthood, especially in working memory and inhibitory control. Chronic juvenile stress also results in aberrations to reward processing and seeking, with increased sensitivity to drugs of abuse particularly noted in animal models, which is in line with greater incidence of substance use disorders seen in clinical studies. These consequences are potentially mediated by monoamine and glutamatergic dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, providing translatable therapeutic targets. However, the predominant use of male subjects and social-based stressors in preclinical studies points to a clear need for determining how both sex differences and stressor heterogeneity may differentially contribute to stress-induced changes to substrates mediating executive function and reward processing, before the impact of chronic juvenile stress in promoting adult psychopathology can be fully understood.

Bullying and Other Forms of Peer Victimization in Adolescence and Alcohol Use

To examine the relationship between bullying and other forms of peer victimization in adolescence and alcohol use or misuse, all the pertinent studies were reviewed. Fourteen databases were searched. Blind assessments of study eligibility and quality were performed by two independent researchers. Seventy-four studies including 2,066,131 participants across 56 countries all over the world and meeting minimum quality criteria that were enough to ensure objectivity and to not invalidate results were analyzed. Across studies, evidence for a significant association between peer victimization and alcohol use or misuse was conflicting. Results were affected by sample size, definition of victim status, specific forms of peer victimization, and specific types of alcohol consumption. There was some evidence for a number of mediating or moderating variables, such as depression, coping, drinking motives, attachment to school, social support, and gender. Findings are discussed according to stress-coping and self-medication hypotheses. Alternative etiological mechanisms are also considered.

Substance Use among Adolescents Involved in Bullying: A Cross-Sectional Multilevel Study

Being involved in bullying as a victim or perpetrator could have deleterious health consequences. Even though there is some evidence that bullies and victims of bullying have a higher risk for drug use, less is known about bystanders. The aim of this research was to study the association between bullying experience (as victims, bullies, or bystanders) and substance use. We gathered complete information from a nationally representative sample of 36,687 students (51.4% female) attending 756 schools in Chile. We used a self-reported questionnaire which was developed based on similar instruments used elsewhere. This questionnaire was piloted and presented to an expert panel for approval. We used multilevel multivariate logistic regression analyses, controlling for several variables at the individual (e.g., school membership, parental monitoring) and school levels (e.g., school type, school denomination). This study shows that bullies and bully-victims have a high risk for cigarette, alcohol, and cannabis use than bystanders. This is one of the few studies exploring the association between witnessing bullying and substance use. These findings add new insights to the study of the co-occurrence of bullying and substance use. Other factors, such as higher academic performance, stronger school membership, and better parental monitoring reduced the risk of any substance use, while the experience of domestic violence and the perception of social disorganization in the neighborhood, increased the risk. These findings may help the design of preventive interventions.

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

BACKGROUND

Peer victimization is common among youth and associated with substance use. Yet, few studies have examined these associations longitudinally or the psychological processes whereby peer victimization leads to substance use. The current study examined whether peer victimization in early adolescence is associated with alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use in mid- to late adolescence, as well as the role of depressive symptoms in these associations.

METHODS

Longitudinal data were collected between 2004 and 2011 from 4297 youth in Birmingham, Alabama; Houston, Texas; and Los Angeles County, California. Data were analyzed by using structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

The hypothesized model fit the data well (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA] = 0.02; Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.95). More frequent experiences of peer victimization in the fifth grade were associated with greater depressive symptoms in the seventh grade (B[SE] = 0.03[0.01]; P < .001), which, in turn, were associated with a greater likelihood of alcohol use (B[SE] = 0.03[0.01]; P = .003), marijuana use (B[SE] = 0.05[0.01]; P < .001), and tobacco use (B[SE] = 0.05[0.01]; P < .001) in the tenth grade. Moreover, fifth-grade peer victimization was indirectly associated with tenth-grade substance use via the mediator of seventh-grade depressive symptoms, including alcohol use (B[SE] = 0.01[0.01]; P = .006), marijuana use (B[SE] = 0.01[0.01]; P < .001), and tobacco use (B[SE] = 0.02[0.01]; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Youth who experienced more frequent peer victimization in the fifth grade were more likely to use substances in the tenth grade, showing that experiences of peer victimization in early adolescence may have a lasting impact by affecting substance use behaviors during mid- to late adolescence. Interventions are needed to reduce peer victimization among youth and to support youth who have experienced victimization.

Young men's suicidal behavior, depression, crime, and substance use risks linked to childhood teasing

The consequences in adulthood of bullying, teasing, and other peer victimization experiences in childhood rarely have been considered in prospective studies. Studies of peer victimization are mixed regarding whether negative outcomes are explained by pre-existing child vulnerabilities. Furthermore, replication of prior studies with broader definitions and other methods and demographic groups is needed. Based on mother, father, and teacher reports at ages 10-12 years, we classified American boys (n=206) from higher delinquency neighborhoods as perpetrators of teasing, victims, perpetrator-victims, or uninvolved (n=26, 35, 29, and 116, respectively). Family income, parent and child depressive symptoms, and child antisocial behavior served as controls. Boys were assessed to age 34 years for suicide-attempt history (including death) and adult (ages 20-32 years) suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, alcohol use, patterned tobacco and illicit drug use, and arrest. Relative to uninvolved boys, means or odds were higher for: suicide attempt among perpetrator-victims; all three groups for depressive symptoms and clinically significant symptoms; arrest for perpetrators and perpetrator-victims; number of arrests and violent arrest among perpetrator-victims; and patterned tobacco use among perpetrators and perpetrator-victims. With childhood vulnerabilities controlled, however, odds remained higher only for suicide attempt among perpetrator-victims, and criminal arrest and patterned tobacco use among perpetrators. Overall, childhood involvement in teasing predicted serious adverse outcomes in adulthood, in some cases beyond childhood risks. Programs that prevent peer victimization and identify already involved individuals for additional services may have positive impacts on the diverse public health problems of suicide, crime, depression, and tobacco use.

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

AIM

To identify health and psychosocial problems associated with bullying victimization and conduct a meta-analysis summarizing the causal evidence.

METHODS

A 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.

RESULTS

Out 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.

CONCLUSION

Strong 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.

Sex Differences in Childhood Bullying Victimization and Trajectories of Substance Use From Adolescence to Adulthood

Recent research has found that repeated bullying victimization increases the risk of developing several unhealthy habits later in life including periodic substance use. Comparatively less research, however, has examined whether the association between bullying victimization and developmental growth in substance use is different for males and females. The present study addressed this gap in the literature by analyzing data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997. Results from a series of sex-specific latent growth curve models reveal that bullied males experience faster increases in cigarette and marijuana use from adolescence to young adulthood compared to non-bullied males, while bullied females experience faster increases in cigarette use compared to non-bullied females. Bullied males also experience slower declines in cigarette and marijuana use from adolescence to middle adulthood, while bullied females experience slower declines in alcohol and cigarette use. Implications of these findings for research on sex differences in bullying victimization and developmental patterns of substance use are discussed.

Bullying Victimization, Social Network Usage, and Delinquent Coping in a Sample of Urban Youth: Examining the Predictions of General Strain Theory

Guided by the propositions of general strain theory, this study examines the impact of experienced and anticipated strains on the delinquent coping of adolescents while accounting for the usage of social networking sites. Specifically, this study uses self-report survey data collected from 3,195 middle and high school students in a single Midwest city in the United States to explore the effect of experiencing the strains of traditional bullying victimization and cyberbullying victimization on adolescents self-reported soft drug use, hard drug use, and weapon carrying behavior. These relationships are explored among both frequent and infrequent users of social networking sites. Results indicate that cyberbullying victimization and the anticipated strain of feeling unsafe at or on the way to or from school are significantly and positively associated with all three mechanisms of delinquent coping among both frequent and infrequent social network users.

Changes in Mental Health, Bullying Behavior, and Service Use Among Eight-Year-Old Children Over 24 Years

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine changes in the mental health problems, bullying, and service use of 8-year-old children at 4 different time points (1989, 1999, 2005, and 2013) using population-based, time-trend data.

METHOD

Information from 4 cross-sectional samples was compared over a 24-year period. The target population was Finnish-speaking children born in 1981 (n = 1,038), 1991 (n = 1,035), 1997 (n = 1,030), and 2004 (n = 1,114) and living in selected school districts in the Turku University Hospital area in southwestern Finland. The participation rates varied from 84% (2005) to 95% (1989). Information about the children's psychiatric symptoms, bullying experience, and service use was obtained from parents and teachers using Rutter questionnaires. Child depression was measured using the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI).

RESULTS

Parental reports showed that emotional (p < .001) and conduct (p = .001) problems among boys and emotional (p = .002) problems among girls decreased over the 24-year period. In teacher reports, there were no significant changes in hyperactivity, emotional, and conduct problems between 1989 and 2013. Girls' self-reported depression scores increased between 1989 and 2005, but leveled off in 2013. There were no significant decreases in bullying behavior between 2005 and 2013 despite the introduction of a nationwide school-based anti-bullying program in 2009. Mental health service use increased constantly during the study period: in 1989, 4.2% of boys and 0.9% of girls were in contact with services, and by 2013 this had risen to 15.1% and 6.1% (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

No substantial increases in children's mental health problems were seen between 1989 and 2013. Service use increased constantly, indicating lower thresholds for seeking help. Bullying behavior is strongly related to mental health problems, and that is why school-based bullying interventions, including mental health perspectives, are needed.

Bullying development across adolescence, its antecedents, outcomes, and gender-specific patterns

In contrast to victimization, prior research on the antecedents and outcomes of bullying perpetration has provided little conclusive knowledge. Some adolescent bullies may be well adjusted and popular among peers, while other bullies are rejected and lack self-control. There is also great variation in the outcomes, with a number of studies (but not all) showing increased risk for externalizing and internalizing problems. We used a developmental framework and data from 2,230 participants of the Dutch Tracking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS) to examine bullying perpetration across adolescence, to test the links with various antecedents in preadolescence, and to elucidate the outcomes in early adulthood. Latent growth models indicated significant variance in initial bullying perpetration levels and an overall decrease between pre- and late adolescence. Individual, family, and peer factors were associated with initial levels and partially associated with bullying development over time. Bullying perpetration was linked to later maladjustment and substance use, although only in girls. Finally, bullying perpetration appears to function as an intermediate variable between preadolescent individual, family, and peer risk and substance use more than 10 years later. These results have important implications for understanding the gender-specific nature of bullying perpetration and its outcomes and for demonstrating that bullying carries early risk into adulthood.

Developmental Outcomes of Using Physical Violence Against Dates and Peers

PURPOSE

The negative impact on adolescents of being a victim of violence is well documented, but the impact of being a perpetrator of violence is less well known. Knowing the negative outcomes of being a perpetrator could inform clinical interactions with adolescents, development of violence prevention strategies, and estimates of the societal burden of violence. This longitudinal study examined the effects of physical dating violence (DV) and peer violence (PV) perpetration on internalizing symptoms, relationships with friends and family, academic aspirations and grades, and substance use.

METHODS

The four-wave longitudinal study (N = 3,979), conducted in two North Carolina counties over 2½ years, spanned grades 8-12. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine prospective lagged effects of each type of violence perpetration on each outcome and sex and grade as moderators of effects.

RESULTS

Perpetrating DV significantly predicted lower college aspirations and greater likelihood of marijuana use. The effect of DV perpetration on increased family conflict was moderated by school grade; the effect decreased in significance across grades. Perpetrating PV significantly predicted greater likelihood of cigarette and marijuana use. The effects of PV perpetration on increased internalizing symptoms and alcohol intensity and decreased college aspirations were moderated by school grade; effects decreased in significance across grades. Neither type of perpetration predicted changes in number of reciprocated friendships, social status, or academic grades, and no effects varied by sex.

CONCLUSIONS

These detrimental outcomes for the perpetrator need to be considered in clinical interactions with adolescents and violence prevention programming.

Bullying and victimisation are common in four-year-old children and are associated with somatic symptoms and conduct and peer problems

AIM

There are few population-based studies on bullying behaviour among preschool children. The aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of bullying behaviour among four-year-old children, as reported by their parents, the prevalence of types of bullying behaviour and the associations between bullying behaviour and psychosocial factors.

METHODS

This study was based on a population-based study sample of 931 children who attended their check-up at a child health clinic at four years of age. Parents completed the questionnaire about their child's bullying behaviour and risk factors during the check-up.

RESULTS

Bullying behaviour, especially being both a bully and a victim, was a common phenomenon among four-year-old children. Being a bully or both a bully and victim were most strongly associated with conduct problems, while being a victim was associated with somatic symptoms and peer problems.

CONCLUSION

Bullying behaviour was frequently found in preschool children and associated with a wide range of other problems, which indicate that routine checking of bullying behaviour should be included in child health clinic check-ups. Bullying prevention programmes are usually targeted at school-aged children, but this study highlights the importance of focusing already on preschool children.

School bullying and susceptibility to smoking among never-tried cigarette smoking students

INTRODUCTION

Bullying involvement has been linked with substance use; however, less is known about its relationship with pre-initiation stages of adolescent cigarette smoking behavior. This study examined the association between bullying involvement and smoking susceptibility among never tried or experimented with cigarette smoking students. Susceptibility to cigarette smoking in adolescence is a strong predictor of subsequent smoking initiation.

METHODS

A cross-sectional data on Canadian adolescent and youth were drawn from the 2012/2013 Youth Smoking Survey (n=28,843). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between bullying and smoking susceptibility among never-smoking students.

RESULTS

About 21% self-reported involvement in bullying (as a bully, victim or both). Middle school students (grades 6-8) reported more involvement in bullying (24%) than those in grades 9-12 (16%). The multivariable analyses showed that the association between bullying and smoking susceptibility was significantly different by grade level. Middle school students involved in bullying had higher odds of smoking susceptibility compared to uninvolved students (bully, adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.54, 95% CI=1.73-3.74; victim, AOR=1.29, 95% CI=1.11-1.48; bully-victim, AOR=2.19, 95% CI=1.75-2.74). There were no significant associations between all subgroups of bullying and smoking susceptibility for grades 9-12 students.

CONCLUSIONS

Students involved in bullying were more susceptible to smoking, although patterns of association varied by grade level. In particular, the findings highlight that non-smoking middle school students involved in bullying were susceptible to future smoking.

Bullying among Urban Mexican-heritage Youth: Exploring Risk for Substance Use by Status as a Bully, Victim, and Bully-Victim

Little is known about adolescent bullying behavior and its relationship to substance use in ethnic minority populations. In a sample of youth of Mexican heritage, the current study aimed to examine the prevalence of bullying behavior subtypes and its co-occurrence with recent alcohol, cigarette, and inhalant use. Data come from a school-based substance use prevention study in the Southwestern U.S. (n=809). We explored the prevalence of bullying behavior by status among youth classified as bullies, victims, bully-victims, and rarely-involved bully-victims in an urban context. We also investigated risk of past 30-day use of alcohol, cigarettes, and inhalants by bullying behavior status. Compared to non-involved youth, rarely-involved bully-victims were more likely to use alcohol, bullies were more likely to engage in alcohol and cigarette use, and bully-victims were more likely to use alcohol, cigarettes, and inhalants. In contrast, victims were not significantly at risk of substance use compared to non-involved youth. Chronic bullies and bully-victims are particularly at risk for substance use, with chronic bully-victims reflecting the greatest risk of using multiple substances. Prevention and early intervention programs aimed to reduce bullying can also work to decrease other risky behaviors, such as substance use, and should attend to the growing ethnic diversity among youth.

Bullying Perpetration and Victimization as Externalizing and Internalizing Pathways: A Retrospective Study Linking Parenting Styles and Self-Esteem to Depression, Alcohol Use, and Alcohol-Related Problems

BACKGROUND

Emerging research suggests significant positive associations between bullying and substance use behaviors. However, these studies typically focused either on the link between substance use and bullying perpetration or victimization, and few have conceptualized bullying perpetration and/or victimization as mediators.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we simultaneously tested past bullying perpetration and victimization as mediational pathways from retrospective report of parenting styles and global self-esteem to current depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and alcohol-related problems.

METHODS

Data were collected from a college sample of 419 drinkers. Mediation effects were conducted using a bias-corrected bootstrap technique within a structural equation modeling framework.

RESULTS

Two-path mediation analyses indicated that mother and father authoritativeness were protective against bully victimization and depression through higher self-esteem. Conversely, having a permissive or authoritarian mother was positively linked to bullying perpetration, which in turn, was associated with increased alcohol use, and to a lesser degree, more alcohol-related problems. Mother authoritarianism was associated with alcohol-related problems through depressive symptoms. Three-path mediation analyses suggested a trend in which individuals with higher self-esteem were less likely to report alcohol-related problems through lower levels of bullying victimization and depression.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPORTANCE

Results suggested that bullying perpetration and victimization may, respectively, serve as externalizing and internalizing pathways through which parenting styles and self-esteem are linked to depression and alcohol-related outcomes. The present study identified multiple modifiable precursors of, and mediational pathways to, alcohol-related problems which could guide the development and implementation of prevention programs targeting problematic alcohol use.