Sexual Orientation and Synthetic Cannabinoid Use: Examining the Role of Bullying Victimization

Bullying is a common experience among youths with many adverse consequences. Research indicates that those who identify as lesbian, gay, and bisexual experience bullying at greater levels than heterosexuals. Studies also indicate that sexual minorities are more likely to use alcohol and other drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids (SCs). This paper examines whether the relationship between sexual minority status and SC use is mediated by differential exposure to bullying victimization. Data from the 2015 and 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Study were used. Participants include 30,389 adolescents. Supplemental analyses were conducted with state and district data as those collection efforts incorporated additional bullying measures. Ianobucci's z_mediation was used to assess the relationships between sexual orientation, bullying victimization, and SC use. Results confirm the higher prevalence of bullying and SC use among LGBQ students. Multiple forms of bullying victimization (e.g., in-person, online, because of weight/appearance) mediate the relationship between sexual orientation and SC use. The greater prevalence of SC use within the LGBQ population is partially attributed to coping as a result bullying victimization.