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Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

The long-term effects of being bullied or a bully in adolescence on externalizing and internalizing mental health problems in adulthood

Authors: Johannes Foss Sigurdson, A. M. Undheim, J. L. Wallander, S. Lydersen, A. M. Sund

Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

The aim is to examine associations between bullying involvement in adolescence and mental health problems in adulthood.

Methods

Information on bullying-involvement (being bullied, bully–victim, aggressive toward others) and non-involved was collected from 2464 adolescents in Mid-Norway at mean age 13.7 and again at mean age 14.9. Information about mental health problems and psychosocial functioning was collected about 12 years later at mean age 27.2 (n = 1266).

Results

All groups involved in bullying in young adolescence had adverse mental health outcomes in adulthood compared to non-involved. Those being bullied were affected especially regarding increased total sum of depressive symptoms and high levels of total, internalizing and critical symptoms, increased risk of having received help for mental health problems, and reduced functioning because of a psychiatric problem in adulthood. While those being aggressive toward others showed high levels of total and internalizing symptoms. Both those being bullied and bully–victims showed an increased risk of high levels of critical symptoms. Lastly, all groups involved in bullying on adolescence had increased risk of psychiatric hospitalization because of mental health problems.

Conclusion

Involvement in bullying in adolescence is associated with later mental health problems, possibly hindering development into independent adulthood.

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Title: The long-term effects of being bullied or a bully in adolescence on externalizing and internalizing mental health problems in adulthood
Authors: Johannes Foss Sigurdson
A. M. Undheim
J. L. Wallander
S. Lydersen
A. M. Sund
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1753-2000
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-015-0075-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The long-term effects of being bullied or a bully in adolescence on externalizing and internalizing mental health problems in adulthood

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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