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Bullied children and psychosomatic problems: a meta-analysis
Gianluca Gini1, Tiziana Pozzoli
1Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, via Venezia 8, 35131, Padova, Italy. gianluca.gini@unipd.it.
Pediatrics
|September 18, 2013
Summary
Childhood bullying significantly increases the risk of psychosomatic problems. This meta-analysis confirms the link, highlighting peer victimization as a critical public health issue for school-aged children.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Child Development
Background:
- Previous research indicates a link between childhood bullying and psychosomatic issues.
- Numerous studies, including longitudinal ones, have emerged since the last meta-analysis.
- Peer victimization is a prevalent concern in school-aged populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a new meta-analysis quantifying the association between peer victimization and psychosomatic complaints.
- To update the evidence base on the relationship between bullying and psychosomatic problems in school-aged children and adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of online databases and bibliographies up to April 2012.
- Inclusion of 30 studies (6 longitudinal, 24 cross-sectional) meeting prestated criteria.
- Two random-effects meta-analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Bullied children and adolescents face a significantly higher risk of psychosomatic problems (longitudinal OR=2.39, cross-sectional OR=2.17).
- Effect size in cross-sectional studies decreased with a higher proportion of female participants.
- No other significant moderators were identified.
Conclusions:
- The association between bullying and psychosomatic problems is robustly confirmed.
- School bullying is a widespread global issue.
- Bullying should be recognized as a significant international public health concern.
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