Who Suffers Most From Being Involved in Bullying-Bully, Victim, or Bully-Victim?

Prevalence of Bullying Victimization and Perpetration Among Youth with Chronic Health Conditions in the United States

Background

Bullying perpetration and victimization have gained widespread recognition as major public health issues. However, few studies focused on exploring prevalence rates across impairments or chronic health conditions exist in the literature. The primary purpose of this analysis was to provide current estimates of bullying victimization and perpetration among US youth with 24 chronic health conditions. A secondary purpose was to examine associations between the number of chronic health conditions and bullying victimization and perpetration.

Methods

Data from the 2019-2020 National Survey of Children's Health, nationally representative cross-sectional probability sample of noninstitutionalized youth, were used. This study focused on 29,285 adolescents (aged 12-17 years), including 14,203 with a chronic condition. Pearson's χ2 tests were used to examine proportional equivalence on bullying perpetration and victimization, and logistic regression analyses were used to explore associations between the number of chronic conditions and bullying behaviors.

Results

A significantly higher proportion of adolescents with chronic health conditions engaged in bullying perpetration and victimization compared to those without a chronic health condition. Those with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, and depression were noted as having elevated proportions of bullying victimization, whereas those with behavioral or conduct problems, blood disorders, and depression had higher rates of perpetration.

Conclusions

This analysis helps to identify several groups of adolescents in need of targeted interventions to help reduce bullying rates. Those experiencing more than one chronic health condition were 3.56 and 2.97 times as likely to engage in bullying victimization and perpetration, respectively, compared to those with no condition.

Exploring the correlates of homicidal ideation in Chinese early adolescents: A network analysis

BACKGROUND

Adolescent homicide rates have aroused global concern and better understanding of factors relating to homicidal ideation is critical. This study aimed to explore the correlates of homicidal ideation in a cross-sectional school-based sample of Chinese early adolescents.

METHODS

The data were obtained from the cross-sectional project 'Health and Risky Behaviors among Middle School Students in Anhui Province, China', which was conducted in November 2020. The entire sample of 5724 middle school students who completed the questionnaires was included in the present study. Network analysis was employed to examine the correlates of homicidal ideation at three levels: individual (sex, academic performance, childhood trauma, aggression, anxiety, severe physical illness), family (family economic status, family violence, parental crime, parental mental illness, relationship with father, relationship with mother), and school (school-bullying victimization and perpetration, relationship with classmates, teacher support). Additionally, sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate sex differences.

RESULTS

In the whole sample, 11.7 % of students reported homicidal ideation in the past six months. Network analyses revealed that individual-level (childhood maltreatment, aggression and anxiety) and school-level (teacher support, school-bullying victimization and perpetration) factors were associated with homicidal ideation. Sensitivity analyses showed that homicidal ideation was associated with academic performance and school-bullying victimization in boys but not in girls, although the sex differences were not significant.

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional design of this study limited the inference of causality.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified some correlates of homicidal ideation and provided some novel insights into homicide prevention and intervention in Chinese early adolescents.

Measurement Invariance of the WHO-5 Well-Being Index: Evidence from 15 European Countries

(1) Background: The World Health Organization (WHO)-5 Well-Being Index has been used in many epidemiological studies to assess adolescent mental well-being. However, cross-country comparisons of this instrument among adolescents are scarce and, so far, no good-fitting, common invariant measurement model across countries has been reported. The present study aims to evaluate and establish a version of the WHO-5 Well-Being Index that allows for a valid cross-country comparison of adolescent self-reported mental well-being. (2) Methods: Using data from the 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study, we evaluated the measurement model and measurement invariance of the five items of the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. We used nationally representative samples of 11-, 13-, and 15-year-old adolescents (N = 74,071) from fifteen countries and regions in Europe. Measurement invariance of the WHO-5 was assessed using a series (country, gender, and age) of multi-group confirmatory factor analyses. In addition, we evaluated the convergent validity of the measure by testing its correlations with psychosomatic complaints, life satisfaction, and self-rated health. (3) Results: We found that WHO-5 does not show good psychometric properties or good measurement invariance fit. However, by excluding the first item of the scale ("I have felt cheerful and in good spirits"), the WHO-4, consisting of the other four original items, had good psychometric properties, and demonstrated good suitability for cross-national comparisons (as well as age and gender) in adolescent mental well-being. (4) Conclusions: The present study introduces the WHO-4-a revised version of the WHO-5-, that allows for a valid comparison of mental well-being across fifteen countries and regions in Europe. The WHO-4 proved to be a reliable and valid instrument to assess mental well-being in the adolescent population.

Associations of bullying victimisation in different frequencies and types with suicidal behaviours among school-going adolescents in low- and middle-income countries

Aims

Adolescent suicide is a severe public health problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and adolescents who are victims of bullying have a higher risk of suicidal behaviours. However, detailed global data concerning the association between bullying victimisation and suicide are lacking; thus, further multicontinental studies exploring the association of bullying victimisation at different frequencies and types with suicidal behaviours are urgent.

Methods

The data were extracted from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) (2010–2017) conducted in 40 LMICs (n = 151 184, mean age: 14.77 years, s.d.: 1.59, 54.2% females). Data concerning past-30-day bullying victimisation, past 12-month suicidal behaviours (suicidal ideation, suicidal plans and suicidal attempts) and other adverse health behaviours or outcomes were collected. Chi-square tests were used to explore the correlations among the main variables. A multivariable logistic regression and stratified logistic regressions were conducted to assess the associations.

Results

The overall prevalence of bullying victimisation, suicidal ideation, suicidal plans and suicidal attempts were 28.72, 12.64, 11.84 and 10.79%, respectively. The results showed a positive association of different frequencies and types of bullying victimisation with suicidal behaviours: suicidal ideation (odds ratio (OR) = 2.43, 2.06–2.87), suicidal plans (OR = 2.69, 2.28–3.17) and suicidal attempts (OR = 3.23, 2.73–3.82). Adolescents also reported the effects of being made fun of because of their religion: suicidal ideation (OR = 1.63, 1.41–1.88), suicidal plans (OR = 1.44, 1.24–1.66) and suicidal attempts (OR = 1.73, 1.50–1.98). Moreover, these associations varied among teenagers of different gender and body mass indexes (BMIs) and were stronger among males and adolescents who were underweight, overweight or obese.

Conclusions

Different types of bullying victimisation were positively related to suicidal behaviours; these associations varied among adolescents by gender and BMI. This study offers a theoretical basis for the identification of adolescents at a high risk of suicide and is beneficial for informing effective psychological interventions for constructing sound school environments, improving adolescents’ mental health and reducing the risk of suicide to promote health in LMICs and globally.

Bullying at school and mental health problems among adolescents: a repeated cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To examine recent trends in bullying and mental health problems among adolescents and the association between them.

METHOD

A questionnaire measuring mental health problems, bullying at school, socio-economic status, and the school environment was distributed to all secondary school students aged 15 (school-year 9) and 18 (school-year 11) in Stockholm during 2014, 2018, and 2020 (n = 32,722). Associations between bullying and mental health problems were assessed using logistic regression analyses adjusting for relevant demographic, socio-economic, and school-related factors.

RESULTS

The prevalence of bullying remained stable and was highest among girls in year 9; range = 4.9% to 16.9%. Mental health problems increased; range = + 1.2% (year 9 boys) to + 4.6% (year 11 girls) and were consistently higher among girls (17.2% in year 11, 2020). In adjusted models, having been bullied was detrimentally associated with mental health (OR = 2.57 [2.24-2.96]). Reports of mental health problems were four times higher among boys who had been bullied compared to those not bullied. The corresponding figure for girls was 2.4 times higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to bullying at school was associated with higher odds of mental health problems. Boys appear to be more vulnerable to the deleterious effects of bullying than girls.

A Closer Look at the Emotional Intelligence Construct: How Do Emotional Intelligence Facets Relate to Life Satisfaction in Students Involved in Bullying and Cyberbullying?

Adolescents’ perception of their own emotional abilities has been related to psychological adjustment and well-being. However, there are still few studies focusing on specific emotional dimensions in relation to bullying and well-being in adolescence. This study analysed the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) facets, satisfaction with life, bullying and cyberbullying in adolescents. The sample consisted of 3520 high school students (51.5% females) aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 14.37; SD = 1.67). The correlation analyses showed that the majority of EI facets were positively related to satisfaction with life and negatively with both types of violence. As was expected, bullying and cyberbullying victims and bully–victims scored lower in satisfaction with life and the majority of EI facets. Controlling for sex, age, and grade, self-emotion appraisal, use of emotions and regulation of emotion were the best predictors of life satisfaction in bully–victims of bullying and cyberbullying. Finally, we discuss the relevance of these findings for clinical and educational practice on EI seeking to promote subjective well-being among adolescents involved in bullying and cyberbullying.

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.

Online and in-Person Violence, Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying in New Jersey: 2011-2016

BACKGROUND

New Jersey (NJ) Safe Schools Program, primarily funded by the NJ Department of Education, has aims concerning safety and health including helping to alleviate harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) in secondary school because HIB can affect learning. We evaluated officially reported adolescent HIB total incidents and estimated rates in NJ public city and county school districts for the 2011-2016 school years.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study using population-based state-reported public data. We calculated point prevalence and incidence rates for K-12 students in 22 public city school districts, students in 21 career-technical-vocational education (CTE) school districts, and 8 special services school districts during 2011-2016.

RESULTS

HIB is prevalent in NJ school classrooms. HIB comprised ≥75% of total officially reported in-school violence-related incidents in a given school year. Rates per 100 enrollees of total officially reported incidents for the 5-year period of 2011-2016 was highest in special services school districts (5.00; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.67, 5.34) followed by CTE districts (1.94; 95% CI: 1.86, 2.01), and lowest in city districts (1.46; 95% CI: 1.44, 1.48). The special services school district also had the highest rates per year and the 5-year period.

CONCLUSIONS

Data analyses suggested ideas for further research and improvements for school HIB incident reports. Policies and programs could remedy issues observed in state secondary school classrooms. Best practices within districts and schools can help protect students from HIB and promote safety, health, learning, and maturation.

Profiles of Risk and Protection for Violence and Bullying Perpetration Among Adolescent Boys

BACKGROUND

Violence and bullying perpetration among boys are major public health problems. We address gaps in the literature by examining: (1) how risk and protective factors co-occur, and (2) how different risk/protection profiles are associated with violence and bullying perpetration among adolescent boys.

METHODS

Data came from the population-based 2016 Minnesota Student Survey. The analytic sample included boys in grades 8, 9, and 11 (N = 63,818). Latent profile analyses identified patterns of 22 behavioral, intrapersonal, family, and school and community risk/protective factors. Logistic regression analyses examined how these patterns related to violence and bullying perpetration.

RESULTS

We identified 5 groups: Class 1: Low risk, high safety, high connectedness; Class 2: Low risk, moderate safety, moderate connectedness; Class 3: Moderate risk, high safety, moderate connectedness; Class 4: High risk, moderate safety, low connectedness; and Class 5: High risk, low safety, low connectedness. Compared to Class 1, Class 5 students had the highest odds of all for violence and bullying perpetration. Class 4 students also demonstrated high odds of violence and bullying, compared to Class 1. Though not as high as Classes 4 or 5, Class 2 and 3 students showed higher odds for both outcomes, compared to Class 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantive variations exist in boys who engage in violence and bullying. We highlight cumulative, co-occurring risk factors, connectedness to parents and other prosocial adults (eg, teachers), and school and neighborhood safety as important factors to address in school health programs seeking to prevent violence and bullying perpetration among boys.

Vitimização por bullying e fatores associados em estudantes brasileiros com idade de 13 a 17 anos: estudo populacional

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar fatores escolares, sociodemográficos, nutricionais e de percepção corporal e comportamental associados à vitimização por bullying entre estudantes brasileiros com idade de 13 a 17 anos. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com base nos dados da amostra 2 da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar 2015. A amostra do presente estudo é composta de 10.699 adolescentes de escolas de cada grande região do país. Resultados: A prevalência de vitimização por bullying foi de 6,2%, com maiores chances de vitimização em adolescentes que praticam bullying (razão de chances - OR = 1,91, intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 1,48 - 2,45), com idade de 13 anos (OR = 1,76, IC95% 1,04 - 2,97), que se consideram gordos (OR = 1,45, IC95% 1,06 - 1,98) e não são bem tratados na escola pelos colegas (OR = 2,78, IC95% 2,17 - 3,45). Conclusão: Esforços preventivos que incluam programas de incentivo ao maior suporte social entre os estudantes e a implementação de práticas que reforcem o respeito às diferenças e peculiaridades dos alunos podem contribuir para a redução da vitimização por bullying.

Self-Perceptions and Factors Associated With Being Put Down at School Among Middle and High School Students

This study assessed the prevalence of verbally being put down by others and intrapersonal and normative factors associated with being put down by others among middle and high school students. Students (N = 1,027) completed the Adolescent Health Risk Behavior Survey. Over 16% of participants reported being put down at school. Students who identified with the negative words confused, unattractive, dull, and careless and identified less with the positive words popular, smart, considerate, cool, and self-confident reported being put down by others. High school students were less likely to be put down. As students scored higher on the Negative Self-Description Scale, their odds of being put down increased. As students scored higher on the Positive Self-Description Scale, their odds of being put down decreased. Students who perceived their friends drinking alcohol regularly were less likely to be put down. Strategies to enhance self-perceptions to raise self-awareness and form healthy/positive identities are needed.