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

Alina Cosma (), Ross Whitehead, Fergus Neville, Dorothy Currie and Jo Inchley
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Alina Cosma: University of St Andrews
Ross Whitehead: University of St Andrews
Fergus Neville: University of St Andrews
Dorothy Currie: University of St Andrews
Jo Inchley: University of St Andrews

International Journal of Public Health, 2017, vol. 62, issue 6, No 3, 639-646

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: Bullying victimization; Mental well-being; Happiness; Confidence; Time trends (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-017-0965-6

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