The Impact of Bullying on Mental Health in Young People
Bullying is a major public health concern amongst young people due to its well-evidenced associations with mental health difficulties, making it one of the main preventable psychiatric risk factors. Bullying, characterized by psychological, physical, or social aggression towards individuals in the same age group, is often based on a power imbalance. Perpetrators marginalize victims based on characteristics that make them different, such as health status, disability, or LGBTQ+ identity.
Despite extensive research on bullying and its effects on mental health, less is known about the risk of bullying involvement in populations with mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions. Abregú-Crespo and colleagues addressed this gap through a systematic review and meta-analysis of global literature, shedding light on the prevalence and impact of bullying in these vulnerable groups.
Methods
Six databases were searched without language restrictions, and results were screened by a team of researchers. Data was extracted and studies were categorized by disorder (DSM-5 compatible categories) and type of bullying involvement. Pooled event rates and odds ratios were used for meta-analysis.
Results
The systematic review included 212 relevant articles, providing valuable insights into bullying involvement in young people with mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Meta-analysis of Prevalence
The prevalence of traditional bullying in children and adolescents with these conditions was found to be 42.2% for victimization, 24.4% for perpetration, and 14.0% for perpetration-victimization.
Case-Control Meta-analysis
Youth with mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions had significantly greater odds of being victims, perpetrators, and perpetrator-victims. Specific disorders showed varying odds of victimization and perpetration.
Association Between Bullying Involvement and Mental Health
- Traditional bullying victimization was associated with higher scores in various mental health measures.
- Cyber-bullying victimization and perpetration also had significant associations with mental health outcomes.
- Traditional bullying perpetration-victimization was linked to internalizing and externalizing problems.
Meta-regressions of Potential Moderators
The analysis revealed several potential moderation mechanisms, including higher odds of bullying victimization in North American studies and among more recently published studies. Self-reported measures were associated with lower odds of victimization and perpetration in samples with neurodevelopmental conditions.
Conclusions
This study underscores the increased vulnerability of young people with neurodevelopmental or psychiatric conditions to bullying involvement and its detrimental effects on mental health. Recommendations for practice and further research are highlighted to address this critical issue.
Strengths and Limitations
The study’s strengths include a rigorous selection process and consideration of bidirectional effects between bullying and mental health. However, limitations such as regional disparities in included studies, heterogeneity among samples, and reliance on cross-sectional data should be noted.
Implications for Practice
Schools
Schools need to provide additional support to students with neurodevelopmental or psychiatric conditions, especially those at higher risk of bullying involvement. Targeted interventions can help create a safer and more inclusive environment for vulnerable youth.
Clinical Practice
Clinicians must be attentive to the complex needs of young clients with these conditions, offering holistic support beyond primary diagnoses. Recognizing the impact of bullying on mental health is crucial for effective intervention.
Research
Future research should focus on specific populations and utilize longitudinal methods to explore causal relationships. Tailored self-report measures for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions could enhance the accuracy of bullying assessments.
Statement of Interests
No conflict of interest to disclose.
References
Primary Paper
Abregú-Crespo, R., et al. (2024). School bullying in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 8(2), 122-134. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(23)00289-4
