Trends in bullying victimization in Scottish adolescents 1994–2014: changing associations with mental well-being

Cosma, A., Whitehead, R., Neville, F., Currie, D. and Inchley, J. (2017) Trends in bullying victimization in Scottish adolescents 1994–2014: changing associations with mental well-being. International Journal of Public Health, 62(6), pp. 639-646. (doi: 10.1007/s00038-017-0965-6) (PMID:28299390) (PMCID:PMC5487886)

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Abstract

Objectives: Bullying victimization among schoolchildren is a major public health concern. This paper aims to analyse the changing associations over two decades between bullying victimization and mental well-being in a representative Scottish schoolchildren sample. Methods: Data were collected in six rounds of the cross-sectional Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study in Scotland, with 42,312 adolescents (aged 11, 13 and 15 years). Logistic and linear regressions were used to examine changes in the association between bullying victimization and mental well-being. Results: The prevalence of bullying victimization rates in Scotland increased between 1994 and 2014 for most age–gender groups, apart from 13-year-old boys and 15-year-old girls. Over time, female victims reported less confidence and happiness and more psychological complaints than their non-bullied counterparts. This worsening effect over time was not observed in boys. Conclusions: Overall, our evidence indicates that the associations between bullying victimization and poor mental well-being strengthened overtime for bullied girls. This finding might partly explain the observed deterioration in mental health indicators among Scottish adolescent girls.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This research was funded by NHS Health Scotland.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Inchley, Dr Joanna
Authors: Cosma, A., Whitehead, R., Neville, F., Currie, D., and Inchley, J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:International Journal of Public Health
Publisher:Springer International Publishing
ISSN:1661-8556
ISSN (Online):1661-8564
Published Online:15 March 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © The Authors 2017
First Published:First published in International Journal of Public Health 62(6):639-646
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons license

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