Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:15
Social Defeat Stress Model for Adolescent C57BL/6 Male and Female Mice
Published on: March 15, 2024
Peer victimization, depression, and suicidiality in adolescents
Anat Brunstein Klomek1, Frank Marrocco, Marjorie Kleinman
1Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. klomeka@child.psych.columbia.edu
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|May 1, 2008
Summary
Peer victimization significantly increases depression and suicidality risks in adolescents. Even infrequent bullying elevates danger, especially for females, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Peer victimization is a prevalent issue among adolescents.
- Existing research suggests a link between bullying and negative mental health outcomes.
- Specific types and frequencies of victimization require further investigation regarding their impact on adolescent suicidality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between specific types of peer victimization and depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts in high school students.
- To determine if the frequency and number of victimization types influence mental health risks.
- To identify at-risk student populations for targeted mental health interventions.
Main Methods:
- A self-report survey was administered to 2,342 high school students.
- Regression analyses were employed to assess the relationship between peer victimization and mental health outcomes.
- Data were analyzed to differentiate risks based on victimization frequency and type.
Main Results:
- Frequent exposure to all types of peer victimization correlated with a high risk of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts.
- Infrequent victimization also showed an increased risk, particularly in female students.
- A dose-response relationship was observed: the more types of victimization experienced, the higher the risk for depression and suicidality in both genders.
Conclusions:
- Specific forms of peer victimization are significant risk factors for adolescent depression and suicidality.
- Victimized adolescents, regardless of frequency or type of bullying, are at elevated risk.
- Routine assessment of depression and suicidality is crucial for victimized students to inform intervention strategies.
Related Concept Videos
02:04Bullying
A modern form of aggression is bullying. As you learn in your study of child development, socializing and playing with other children is beneficial for children’s psychological development. However, as you may have experienced as a child, not all play behavior has positive outcomes. Some children are aggressive and want to play roughly. Other children are selfish and do not want to share toys. One form of negative social interactions among children that has become a national concern is bullying.
01:23Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Adolescence is a pivotal period of identity formation, during which individuals begin to answer questions central to their sense of self, such as "Who am I?" and "Who do I hope to become?" Both parents and peers play critical roles in guiding adolescents through this complex developmental phase.
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the recognition that people have...