Peer Victimization and Psychosocial Functioning in Adolescents With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

This study aimed to assess psychosocial functioning in adolescents with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), evaluate peer victimization in this population, and examine associations between peer bullying, curve severity, and psychosocial outcomes.

This case-control study included 200 adolescents aged 10-17 years: 100 diagnosed with AIS and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent psychiatric interviews. Adolescents with AIS completed the Sociodemographic Data Form, Olweus Bullying/Victimization Questionnaire, Childhood Anxiety Screening Scale, Childhood Depression Inventory, Scoliosis Research Society-22 Quality of Life Scale, Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire-Scoliosis, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale; controls completed all non-scoliosis-specific measures.

Adolescents with AIS reported significantly higher levels of bullying victimization compared with controls (p = 0.001). No between-group differences were observed in depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-esteem, or bullying perpetration (all p ≥ 0.05). Within the AIS group, greater curve severity was associated with poorer quality of life, more negative body image, and higher social anxiety (all p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, self-reported external visibility of scoliosis was the strongest predictor of peer victimization (odds ratio = 13.47, 95% confidence interval: 3.04-59.60, p = 0.001). Higher trust in people (odds ratio = 4.02, 95% confidence interval: 1.56-10.34, p = 0.004) and pain severity were also associated with increased risk.

Adolescents with AIS appear to be more vulnerable to peer bullying, and this vulnerability is associated with greater emotional and psychosocial difficulties. These findings highlight the importance of routine psychological screening and integrated psychosocial support within the clinical management of AIS.