Poster #122 - Is bullying a traumatic event? Exploring children and adolescents' consequences of being bullied

• In Event: Poster Session 14

Abstract

Introduction

Although bullying is a common experience among youth around the world (Eyuboglu et al., 2021), bullying is not commonly thought of a traumatic event. However, previous research suggests the outcomes and symptoms children experience after being bullied are parallel to those experienced after a traumatic event (Idsoe et al., 2021). Previous studies have found evidence for symptoms of cognitive intrusions, negative mood and cognitions, avoidance, and reactivity and arousal after individuals are bullied (Idsoe et al., 2021; Ossa et al., 2019). Other contextual factors such as frequency and duration of bullying, age of perpetrator(s), number of perpetrators, and seriousness of the event were found to contribute to the severity of symptoms individuals experienced (Albuquerque & Williams, 2015; Andreou et al., 2020; Chen & Elklit, 2018; Idsoe et al., 2012; Olff, 2017). These findings prompt the question: Should bullying be considered a traumatic event?

Current Study

This mixed-methods study aimed to explore children and adolescents’ experiences of being bullied and explore the symptoms children reported having experienced following bullying. Additionally, contextual factors were explored to understand under which circumstances participants were most likely to endorse symptoms consistent with trauma.

Method

Twenty-four parents recruited via emails and flyers completed an initial screener with questions about frequency of their child’s bullying (Parent Peer Bullying Scale) and difficulties the child experiences in their daily life (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; SDQ). Children were eligible for the study if parents endorsed them having “sometimes” experienced bullying over a period of “weeks” or more in the last year. Ten children (Mage = 12.5 years, 50% boys, 100% White) who met criteria agreed to participate in a semi-structured interview about their bullying experiences. They also completed the Olweus Bully Victim Questionnaire (OBVQ) and self-report SDQ. Descriptive statistics were reported and interview data was analyzed thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006).

Results

Participants reported frequent bullying (M = 4.70, SD = 1.34) for an average of around one year (M = 5.22, SD = 1.09). Participants mostly reported being the same age as the perpetrator (M = 2.70, SD = 1.25) and the bullying being perpetrated by groups of two to three peers (M = 3.50, SD = 1.52). Parents, on average, reported their child’s experiences as “quite serious” (M = 4.0, SD = 0.47). Several themes emerged from the interviews as consequences of being bullied, including somatic complaints, school avoidance, difficulties concentrating, emotional distress, and disruptions within their peer groups. Three participants endorsed clinical levels of PTSD qualitatively; these children typically reported longer, more severe instances of bullying by multiple perpetrators, and more instances of physical bullying.

Implications

Results from this study suggest that bullying could be considered a traumatic event for some children. These findings suggest that support for victims of bullying may need to include trauma-supported interventions, depending on the level of severity endorsed.

Authors

• Makenna Snodgrass, Wichita State University
  Presenting Author

• Samantha Gregus Slade, Wichita State University

• Sarah McGill, Wichita State University