Isolation and the stress of being bullied

J Adolesc. 2005 Jun;28(3):343-57. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2004.08.002. Epub 2005 Jan 21.

Abstract

Approximately one-third of children report being victims of bullying, and this victimization has been linked to a number of negative psychological outcomes. In the present study, we examined the effects of perceived isolation on the link between victimization before and during high school and stress symptoms during college. Consistent with our predictions, victimization appears to do the most damage to those who felt isolated during high school. These results suggest that schools should reframe their approach to the bullying problem, and devote more resources to helping students feel less isolated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Crime Victims
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Social Behavior Disorders / psychology*
  • Social Isolation*
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires