Association between bullying victimization and sexual health: The role of teacher and parental attachment

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Despite the wealth of research investigating adverse consequences of bullying, few studies have tested how bullying victimization is related to risky sexual behavior, such as unprotected sex among adolescents. To fill this gap, the current study examines the association between bullying victimization and non-use of condoms, with consideration of the moderating role of teacher and parental attachment. We employ a series of logistic regression models to examine these relationships in a Korean adolescent sample. Results show that bullying victimization is significantly related to an increase in non-use of condoms, whereas attachment to teachers and parents is negatively associated with non-use of condoms. In addition, findings show significant interactions between bullying victimization and attachments, suggesting the protective role of quality relationships with significant adults in adolescents’ sexually risky behavior. Practical implications and suggestions for future research will be discussed.

Authors

• Jihoon Kim, The University of Alabama

• Yeungjeom Lee, The University of Texas at Dallas

• Lindsay Leban, University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Wesley Jennings, The University of Mississippi