Sex differences in peer victimization and suicidal ideation among adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Peer victimization is significantly correlated with a heightened incidence of suicidal ideation (SI) among adolescents. The current study sought to investigate their relationship among adolescents, focusing on sex differences.

A secondary analysis was conducted on data from 55,815 adolescents (53.9% being female) aged 11-18 in Zigong City, China, from October to December 2020. Questionnaires were used to gather information on the individuals' psychosocial, familial, and demographic variables. The Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale (MPVS) was used to examine peer victimization data. Participants self-reported their SI. The association between peer victimization and SI was evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

The prevalence of SI was 6.03% among boys and 11.85% among girls, reflecting the rates calculated within the entire study population. Adolescents with SI reported substantially higher MPVS and subdimension scores than those without, regardless of sex (all p < 0.001). In boys, physical (OR = 1.062, 95%CI: 1.037-1.088, p < 0.001) and verbal victimization (OR = 1.039, 95%CI: 1.012-1.067, p = 0.004) were closely associated with increased SI risk; however, in girls, physical (OR = 1.051, 95%CI:1.026-1.077, p < 0.001) and verbal victimization (OR = 1.032, 95%CI: 1.011-1.054, p = 0.002), social manipulation (OR = 1.023, 95%CI: 1.001-1.046, p = 0.039), property attack (OR = 1.034, 95%CI: 1.009-1.059, p = 0.007) were all closely associated with increased SI risk.

Our findings underscore the necessity for sex-specific prevention strategies to address the distinct forms of peer victimization associated with SI. Interventions targeting verbal and physical aggression among boys, and a broader spectrum that includes verbal and physical aggression, property attacks, and social manipulation among girls, are crucial for mitigating the risk of SI in adolescents.