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Bullying victimization and adolescent self-harm: testing hypotheses from general strain theory
1College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1127, USA. chay@fsu.edu
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
|January 15, 2010
Summary
Bullying victimization, both traditional and cyber, is linked to adolescent self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Authoritative parenting and self-control can reduce these negative effects.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Sociology
Background:
- Self-harm is a major adolescent social issue.
- Recent research explores the causes of adolescent self-harm.
- Social psychological strain theory offers a framework for understanding deviance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the effects of traditional and cyber bullying victimization on adolescent self-harm and suicidal ideation.
- To examine the mediating role of negative emotions.
- To investigate the moderating effects of social environment and self-control.
Main Methods:
- School-based survey of 426 adolescents in a rural southeastern county.
- Analysis of traditional and cyber bullying victimization.
- Statistical examination of relationships, mediation, and moderation.
Main Results:
- Both traditional and cyber bullying victimization are positively associated with self-harm and suicidal ideation.
- Negative emotions partially mediate the relationship between bullying and adverse outcomes.
- Authoritative parenting and high self-control mitigate the harmful effects of bullying.
Conclusions:
- Bullying victimization is a significant risk factor for adolescent self-harm and suicidal ideation.
- Interventions should address negative emotions and strengthen protective factors like authoritative parenting and self-control.
- Findings have implications for research and policy aimed at reducing adolescent self-harm.
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