A new study has found that peer victimization is linked to adverse mental health and behavioral problems.
Researchers from Louisiana State University, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Missouri have discovered that psychological issues, such as depression, risky health behaviors, including substance abuse and unprotected sex with multiple partners, are linked to peer victimization.
The study, which was published in the International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, has found that in 2015, one-third of American high school students reported having sex recently, of which, 14 percent did not use any contraception, 21 percent had alcohol or drugs before sexual intercourse, and 43 percent did not use a condom.
In addition, the study findings suggested that teenage boys who fell victim to online bullying engaged in risky sexual behaviors than girls who fell victim to online bullying.
The researchers believe that the study findings may reflect a culture of toxic masculinity and it is important to pay special attention to teenage boys.
The study looked at the gender differences and four different types of peer victimization – “school bullying, cyberbullying, physical dating violence, and sexual dating violence.”
The researchers examined the link between peer victimization, and mental health issues, such as depression, and risky sexual behaviors among high school students in the United States.
The findings showed that all types of peer victimization are associated with the symptoms of depression in both males and females, and physical or sexual dating violence is associated with increased risky sexual behavior.
Study author YounKyoung Kim said, “It is critical to create safe and private spaces for boys to share their experiences, and we hope that this research will encourage schools to consider efforts to destigmatize victimization through peer mentorship and open communication.”
