In a CDC study conducted in 2011, more than 20% of students said they were victims of bullying on school property that year. While anti-bullying campaigns like celebrity-endorsed “NOH8” have increased awareness across the country on bullying issues, a new study shows anyone can become a victim.
How Popularity affects Bullying
The study, published in the American Sociological Review, used data from the Context of Adolescent Substance Use survey. The survey collected information on more than 4,000 eighth through tenth graders across 19 public schools in North Carolina.
Researchers analyzed interviews with students that asked for up to five schoolmates that picked on or were mean to them, and up to five schoolmates they picked on or were mean to.
They found that for most teenagers becoming more popular increases the risk of bullying and the negative consequences of that behavior. If an adolescent was in the 50th percentile in terms of popularity, and moved up to the 95th percentile, he or she were 25 percent more likely to be victimized by their peers.
However, it’s important to note that the study is not discounting the “typical” bullying victim – those dealing with body issues, few friends, or delayed physical development. They recognize this as a continued problem, but also want to ensure that parents and educators are aware that not all victims are easily recognized.
Also, as one might expect, those in the top five percent of the social ladder were less susceptible to bullying as they are no longer fighting for position. Once at the top, they are more likely to be considered out of reach and have fewer rivals.
Long-Term Effects
Popular students can not only fall victim to bullying, but the study shows they are also more likely to experience severe negative consequences. They tend to suffer more from depression, anxiety, anger, and social marginalization if bullied as they feel they have further to fall.
Furthermore, the negative consequences of bullying are shown to last long after their teenage years. A study published in Psychological Science shows that victims of bullying are more likely to experience serious illness, difficulty keeping a regular job, and poor social relationships in adulthood.
Interestingly, those labelled as “bully-victims” (those who fall into both categories) are the most susceptible, at more than six times more likely to have a serious illness, smoke, or develop a psychiatric disorder than those who aren’t involved in bullying.
Students jockeying for position in the upper tiers of the social ladder are likely to fit the category of a “bully-victim” as they are constantly in a battle with their peers to see who can climb higher. Thus, more likely to bully others, and experience it themselves.
Researchers from all studies suggest early intervention to be a key component in preventing long-term effects from bullying. If you suspected a child was a victim of bullying, how would you handle it? If you’re an MD, have you seen patients whose current health is suffering as a result of bullying in their childhood? Please join us inside Sermo to discuss more.
Leave a Reply